Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Akron is 57% cheaper than Charleston.

$930/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 75%
$48,544/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 85%
$111,200 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 322%
$904/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 87%
189,526
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $41,494/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Charleston — common questions

Is Akron or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Charleston?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Charleston?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $41,494/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and South Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Charleston details →

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