When it comes to choosing a city that offers both livability and financial sustainability, too many headlines focus on cost alone. But in 2025, affordability without compromise is rare and Cleveland, Ohio just made it clear why it should be at the center of every smart relocation or investment conversation.

Rising Costs Are Pricing Out Stability

Across the U.S., the gap between wages and cost of living is growing. According to GOBankingRates, homeowners in 10 of the nation’s largest cities now need to earn over $191,000 annually to live comfortably, with West Coast cities like Irvine, CA topping the charts at a staggering $326,645 required income.

The story is consistent: median household incomes simply aren’t keeping up. In fact, none of the top 50 largest cities had a median household income that surpassed what’s required to live comfortably as a homeowner in their own zip code.

That leaves many Americans wondering, where can you afford to live well without sacrificing quality of life?

Most “Affordable” Cities Come With Tradeoffs

Plenty of markets claim affordability. But what’s the tradeoff?

• Long commutes?
• Weak infrastructure?
• Limited healthcare?
• Poor investment upside?

Choosing affordability shouldn’t mean giving up on opportunity. And that’s where Cleveland changes the game.

Cleveland Delivers True Affordability and Quality

According to the June 2025 GOBankingRates study, Cleveland is the most affordable city in the U.S. to live comfortably, requiring just $60,000/year as a homeowner. That’s well below the national median household income of $80,610 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

But affordability isn’t the only win. Cleveland earned a 72 Livability Score from AreaVibes, with high marks for:

• Amenities: From nationally ranked cultural institutions to major league sports
• Housing: Diverse, historic, and attainable
• Commute: A far cry from the congestion of L.A. or NYC
• Healthcare Access: Anchored by world-class systems like Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals

Pair that with Cleveland’s growing sectors (health tech, advanced manufacturing, and real estate development) and you get a city where affordability is matched by real economic opportunity.

Why Investors and Families Are Doubling Down on Cleveland

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a remote worker, or a family office looking for strategic real estate investments, Cleveland offers rare upside:

• High rental demand at accessible price points
• Urban revitalization projects like the Cuyahoga Riverfront and Project Scarlet
• One of the lowest barriers to entry for quality real estate in a major U.S. metro

And it’s not just families paying attention - investors are too. As more institutions chase yield in overlooked markets, cities like Cleveland are gaining attention not just for their livability, but for their scalability.

Cleveland Isn’t Just Affordable. It’s Strategic.

In 2025, the conversation can’t just be about cost, it has to be about value. And Cleveland delivers value across the board.

For those tired of choosing between opportunity and affordability, this city makes a compelling case: you can have both.

It’s time to rethink what livable means and Cleveland is leading the way.