Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Akron is 5% cheaper than Lansing.

$930/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↑ 5%
$48,544/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↑ 7%
$111,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$119,400 ↑ 7%
$904/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↑ 8%
189,526
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,626/year higher in Lansing. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Lansing — common questions

Is Akron or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 58 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Lansing?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Lansing?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $3,626/year higher in Lansing.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Michigan?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Lansing details →

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