Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Akron is 196% cheaper than Berkeley.

$930/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 129%
$48,544/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 124%
$111,200 ↓ 92%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 1115%
$904/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 159%
189,526
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,197/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $14,364/year.

Median household income is $60,014/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Akron or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Berkeley?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,197/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Berkeley?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $60,014/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Berkeley details →