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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Akron is 112% cheaper than Fairfield.

$930/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 136%
$48,544/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 111%
$111,200 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 433%
$904/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 146%
189,526
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,261/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $15,132/year.

Median household income is $53,777/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Akron or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Fairfield?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,261/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Fairfield?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $53,777/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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