Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Akron is 64% cheaper than Lowell.

$930/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 72%
$48,544/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 57%
$111,200 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 255%
$904/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 85%
189,526
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $27,661/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Lowell — common questions

Is Akron or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Lowell?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $673/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Lowell?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $27,661/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Lowell details →