Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Akron is 184% cheaper than Cambridge.

$930/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 195%
$48,544/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 161%
$111,200 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 836%
$904/mo ↓ 66%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 191%
189,526
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,812/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $21,744/year.

Median household income is $77,925/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Akron or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Cambridge?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,812/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Cambridge?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $77,925/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Cambridge details →