Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Akron is 92% cheaper than Naperville.

$930/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 99%
$48,544/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 211%
$111,200 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 359%
$904/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 139%
189,526
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $922/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $11,064/year.

Median household income is $102,393/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Naperville — common questions

Is Akron or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Naperville?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $922/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Naperville?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $102,393/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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