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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Downey

California
169

Akron is 114% cheaper than Downey.

$930/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 103%
$48,544/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 80%
$111,200 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 555%
$904/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 121%
189,526
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $962/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $11,544/year.

Median household income is $38,856/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Downey — common questions

Is Akron or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Downey?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $962/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Downey?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $38,856/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Downey details →