Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Akron is 50% cheaper than Clearwater.

$930/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 65%
$48,544/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 33%
$111,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 193%
$904/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 56%
189,526
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $609/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $7,308/year.

Median household income is $15,896/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Akron or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Clearwater?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $609/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Clearwater?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $15,896/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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