Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Orange, CA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Orange

California
206

Akron is 151% cheaper than Orange.

$930/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 142%
$48,544/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 141%
$111,200 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 710%
$904/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 165%
189,526
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,322/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $15,864/year.

Median household income is $68,401/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Orange — common questions

Is Akron or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Orange?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,322/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Orange?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $68,401/year higher in Orange.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Orange details →