Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Akron is 35% cheaper than Elgin.

$930/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 35%
$48,544/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 82%
$111,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 127%
$904/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 66%
189,526
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $39,772/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Elgin — common questions

Is Akron or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Elgin?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Elgin?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $39,772/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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