Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Akron is 26% cheaper than Gainesville.

$930/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 31%
$48,544/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 6%
$111,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 111%
$904/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 29%
189,526
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $2,933/year higher in Akron. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Akron or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Gainesville?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Gainesville?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $2,933/year higher in Akron.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Gainesville details →