Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Cary, NC (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Akron is 80% cheaper than Cary.

$930/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 74%
$48,544/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 167%
$111,200 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 372%
$904/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 93%
189,526
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.75%
Sales Tax
4.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $80,855/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Cary — common questions

Is Akron or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Cary?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Cary?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $80,855/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Cary details →