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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Akron is 198% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$930/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 188%
$48,544/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 187%
$111,200 ↓ 90%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 940%
$904/mo ↓ 68%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 210%
189,526
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,748/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $20,976/year.

Median household income is $90,782/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Akron or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,748/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $90,782/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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