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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Akron is 173% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$930/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 158%
$48,544/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 127%
$111,200 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 848%
$904/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 172%
189,526
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,465/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $17,580/year.

Median household income is $61,529/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Akron or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,465/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $61,529/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Costa Mesa details →