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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Akron is 75% cheaper than Palmdale.

$930/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 87%
$48,544/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 67%
$111,200 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 291%
$904/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 103%
189,526
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $806/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $9,672/year.

Median household income is $32,607/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Akron or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Palmdale?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $806/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Palmdale?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $32,607/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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