Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Akron is 45% cheaper than Aurora.

$930/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 65%
$48,544/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 86%
$111,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 134%
$904/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 76%
189,526
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $605/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $7,260/year.

Median household income is $41,565/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Aurora — common questions

Is Akron or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Aurora?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $605/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Aurora?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $41,565/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Aurora details →

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