Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Norman, OK (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Akron is 21% cheaper than Norman.

$930/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↑ 14%
$48,544/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 34%
$111,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 115%
$904/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 24%
189,526
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
5.75%
Sales Tax
4.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $16,516/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Norman — common questions

Is Akron or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Norman?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Norman?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $16,516/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Oklahoma?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Norman details →