Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Akron is 76% cheaper than Meridian.

$930/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 84%
$48,544/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 103%
$111,200 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 336%
$904/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 78%
189,526
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $784/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $9,408/year.

Median household income is $50,142/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Meridian — common questions

Is Akron or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Meridian?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $784/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Meridian?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $50,142/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Idaho?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Meridian details →