Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Athens, GA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Akron is 28% cheaper than Athens.

$930/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 25%
$48,544/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↑ 6%
$111,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 144%
$904/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 29%
189,526
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.75%
Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $3,111/year higher in Athens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Akron slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Athens — common questions

Is Akron or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Athens?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Athens?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $3,111/year higher in Athens.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Georgia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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