Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Clevelandtoggle

The cost of Boston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Boston to Cleveland can be as low as $1,329 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,494.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $561 to $1,340. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Boston to Cleveland

Boston Cleveland
Average rent cost $3,400 $1,295
Average home value $739,121 $108,509
Average income (per capita) $89,212 $64,965
Cost of living (single person) $1,459 $1,153
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,331 $3,996
Unemployment rate 6.2% 6.8%
Sales tax 6.25% 8.0%
State income tax 9.0% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Cleveland are 62% lower than in Boston.
  • Home prices in Cleveland are 85.3% lower than in Boston.
  • Income in Cleveland is 27.2% lower than in Boston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Cleveland is 21.0% lower than in Boston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Cleveland is 25.0% lower than in Boston.
  • The unemployment rate in Cleveland is 9.68% higher than in Boston.
  • Sales taxes in Cleveland are 28.00% higher than in Boston.
  • State income taxes in Cleveland are 61.11% lower than in Boston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,370.80 in Cleveland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.

How life is different in Boston vs. Cleveland

Cleveland Boston
Population 372,624 675,647
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 57 98
Bike friendliness score 52 86
Crime Index 63.41 39.88
Safety Index 36.59 60.12
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Cleveland's population is about 45% less than Boston.
  • Cleveland's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Boston's lower score of 9.
  • Cleveland is less walkable than Boston with a score of 57 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
  • Cleveland has a bike-friendliness score 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
  • Cleveland's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 63.41 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
  • Cleveland is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 36.59 vs Boston's 60.12.
  • Air quality in Cleveland is moderate, and in Boston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Boston vs. Cleveland move

  • Weather: Cleveland has four very distinct seasons. This means that in the wintertime, you should prepare for snow and in the summer it's usually warm.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Cleveland. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Cleveland

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's North Coast", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Cleveland.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Tremont
  • Ohio City
  • Detroit-Shoreway
  • Clark-Fulton
  • Waterloo

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Edgewater
  • Jefferson
  • Kammโ€™s Corner
  • Ohio City
  • Old Brooklyn

Things to do in Clevelandtoggle

After settling into your new Ohio home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Cleveland has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Cleveland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the A Christmas Story House, African American Museum, ARTneo, Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, and Baseball Heritage Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Edgewater Park, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and Rocky River Reservation โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cleveland Charge NBA G-League), or Cleveland Crunch (MASL2) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Boston to Cleveland?

The best time to move from Boston to Cleveland is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.

When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Cleveland?

Because most people are moving from Boston to Cleveland in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Boston to Cleveland take?

The 639-mile move from Boston, MA, to Cleveland, OH, takes one to six days. Some Boston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Cleveland.

Helpful moving resources