Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A nurse in Cleveland earns roughly $69,037/yr (~$4,048/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,050/mo — that's 26% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
OH · 2026
Can a Registered Nurse Afford to Live in Cleveland?
Using local salary estimates and Cleveland's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a nurse in Cleveland, OH in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$69,037/yr local estimate
$5,753
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
Up to 3.99% state income tax
-$1,705
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,048
1BR rent
26% of take-home
-$1,050
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$140
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$340
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$2,168
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a nurse in Cleveland could save roughly $10,404/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 26% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 26% of take-home pay, a nurse in Cleveland is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $69,037/yr — adjusted from the national Registered Nurse median of $81,220/yr based on Cleveland's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Cleveland for a Registered Nurse
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Ohio City
West Side Market, craft breweries, restaurants, most desirable Cleveland neighborhood; 1BR $1,100–1,500
Tremont
Art galleries, Victorian homes, Professor Ave restaurants, hilly; 1BR $1,000–1,400
Detroit Shoreway / Gordon Square
Arts district, Capitol Theatre, affordable, gentrifying; 1BR $900–1,300
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse in Cleveland?
A Registered Nurse in Cleveland earns approximately $69,037 per year, based on the national BLS median of $81,220/yr adjusted for Cleveland's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Cleveland affordable for a nurse in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 26% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A nurse can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Registered Nurse get in Cleveland?
After federal taxes, Up to 3.99% state income tax, and FICA, a Registered Nurse earning $69,037/yr takes home roughly $4,048/month in Cleveland.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Registered Nurse in Cleveland?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Cleveland costs a median of $1,050/month. On a Registered Nurse salary, that's 26% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.