Side-by-side city decision # Cleveland vs Raleigh. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link ClevelandUnited States2/6 VS RaleighUnited States4/6 $2,165Cleveland monthly budget $2,370Raleigh monthly budget 230 MbpsCleveland internet 285 MbpsRaleigh internet Decision summary Raleigh Raleigh leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Cleveland Speed Fastest internet Raleigh Vibe Best nomad vibe Raleigh Safety Highest safety Raleigh Air Cleanest air Raleigh Walk Most walkable Cleveland Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Cleveland](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/cleveland.md) United States 2/6 Budget$2,165 Internet230 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Raleigh](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/raleigh.md) United States 4/6 Budget$2,370 Internet285 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals MetricClevelandRaleigh Total estimated budget $2,165 $2,370 1-bed center rent $1,350 $1,450 Coworking desk $300 $325 Local meal $18 $18 Cappuccino $4.8 $5.3 Gym membership $45 $55 Transport budget $95 $120 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricClevelandRaleigh Internet speed 230 Mbps 285 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricClevelandRaleigh Safety index 52/100 62/100 Air quality 72/100 78/100 Walkability 6/10 5/10 Female safety 6/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 8/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricClevelandRaleigh Healthcare quality Excellent Excellent English proficiency Excellent Excellent Climate type Humid continental Humid subtropical Best time to visit May - Oct Mar - May Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Cleveland](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/cleveland.md) United States → ### Strengths * Lower rents than most major US metro areas * Fast, widely available home internet * Excellent hospitals and medical specialists * Strong arts, music, and sports culture * Friendly neighborhoods with distinct character * Easy access to Lake Erie parks and trails ### Trade-offs * Cold, snowy, and overcast winters * Car dependence outside central neighborhoods * Safety varies sharply by block * Limited late-night public transit * No dedicated US digital nomad visa * City income tax and US tax rules can be complex ### Common visa routes * Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) for eligible nationalities, up to 90 days * B-1/B-2 visitor visa for eligible business or tourism visits * O-1 or employment-based visa for qualifying long-term professional work [Raleigh](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/raleigh.md) United States → ### Strengths * Strong tech, biotech, and university ecosystem * Fast, reliable fiber internet is widely available * Excellent hospitals and specialist healthcare * Friendly, educated, and growing remote-worker community * Good access to parks, greenways, and weekend nature trips * Lower living costs than major US coastal tech hubs ### Trade-offs * A car is highly useful outside central neighborhoods * Hot, humid summers can feel oppressive * Public transit coverage is limited for many daily trips * Rents have risen quickly in popular central districts * Pollen season can be difficult for allergy sufferers * US healthcare can be expensive without comprehensive insurance ### Common visa routes * Visa Waiver Program / ESTA for eligible nationalities, generally up to 90 days * B-1/B-2 visitor visa, subject to authorized stay and restrictions on local employment * F-1 student visa for full-time study with limited work authorization Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.