Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Akron

Ohio

North Charleston

South Carolina

Akron is 36% cheaper than North Charleston.

$930/mo ↓ 32%

Median Rent

$1,364/mo ↑ 47%

$48,544/yr ↓ 23%

Median Income

$62,789/yr ↑ 29%

$111,200 ↓ 58%

Home Value

$267,700 ↑ 141%

$904/mo ↓ 31%

Owner Costs

$1,312/mo ↑ 45%

189,526

Population

117,460

Tax Comparison

3.5%

Income Tax

6.4%

5.75%

Sales Tax

6.0%

1.53%

Property Tax

0.57%

Affordability

23.0%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $14,245/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Akron or North Charleston cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 91 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Akron and North Charleston?

Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $434/month.

Which city has higher income, Akron or North Charleston?

Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $14,245/year higher in North Charleston.

How do taxes compare between Ohio and South Carolina?

Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.

Should I move to Akron or North Charleston?

It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.