Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Akron is 51% cheaper than Manchester.

$930/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 58%
$48,544/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 59%
$111,200 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 202%
$904/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 71%
189,526
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $28,871/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Manchester — common questions

Is Akron or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Manchester?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Manchester?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $28,871/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Hampshire?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Manchester details →