Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Akron is 36% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$930/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 60%
$48,544/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 39%
$111,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 123%
$904/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 33%
189,526
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $18,977/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Akron or Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $18,977/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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