Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Akron is 26% cheaper than Hartford.

$930/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 31%
$48,544/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 7%
$111,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$217,200 ↑ 95%
$904/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 41%
189,526
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $3,244/year higher in Akron. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Hartford — common questions

Is Akron or Hartford 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 Hartford?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Hartford?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $3,244/year higher in Akron.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Connecticut?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Hartford details →