Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Akron is 57% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$930/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 57%
$48,544/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 32%
$111,200 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 254%
$904/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 71%
189,526
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $15,330/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Akron or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $15,330/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Jersey?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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