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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Akron is 27% cheaper than Lakeland.

$930/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 40%
$48,544/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 26%
$111,200 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 106%
$904/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 27%
189,526
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $12,403/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Akron or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Lakeland?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Lakeland?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $12,403/year higher in Lakeland.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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