Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physical therapist in Cleveland earns roughly $84,754/yr (~$4,969/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,050/mo — that's 21% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
OH · 2026
Can a Physical Therapist 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 physical therapist in Cleveland, OH in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$84,754/yr local estimate
$7,063
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
Up to 3.99% state income tax
-$2,094
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,969
1BR rent
21% 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
$3,089
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physical therapist in Cleveland could save roughly $14,832/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 21% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 21% of take-home pay, a physical therapist in Cleveland is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $84,754/yr — adjusted from the national Physical Therapist median of $99,710/yr based on Cleveland's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Cleveland for a Physical Therapist
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 Physical Therapist in Cleveland?
A Physical Therapist in Cleveland earns approximately $84,754 per year, based on the national BLS median of $99,710/yr adjusted for Cleveland's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Cleveland affordable for a physical therapist in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 21% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physical therapist can live comfortably in Cleveland with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physical Therapist get in Cleveland?
After federal taxes, Up to 3.99% state income tax, and FICA, a Physical Therapist earning $84,754/yr takes home roughly $4,969/month in Cleveland.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physical Therapist in Cleveland?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Cleveland costs a median of $1,050/month. On a Physical Therapist salary, that's 21% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.