Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Akron is 10% cheaper than Cedar Rapids.

$930/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$925/mo ≈ Same
$48,544/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 40%
$111,200 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 59%
$904/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 20%
189,526
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,315/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Akron or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $19,315/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Iowa?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Cedar Rapids details →