Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Kent, WA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Akron is 90% cheaper than Kent.

$930/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 97%
$48,544/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 86%
$111,200 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 383%
$904/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 112%
189,526
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $903/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $10,836/year.

Median household income is $41,872/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Kent — common questions

Is Akron or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Kent?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $903/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Kent?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $41,872/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Washington?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Kent details →