Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Akron is 22% cheaper than Lafayette.

$930/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 15%
$48,544/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 27%
$111,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 126%
$904/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 17%
189,526
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
Sales Tax
4.45%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $12,910/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Akron or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Lafayette?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Lafayette?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $12,910/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Louisiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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