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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Akron is 75% cheaper than Pasadena.

$930/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 138%
$48,544/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 114%
$111,200 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 840%
$904/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 159%
189,526
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,288/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $15,456/year.

Median household income is $55,234/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Akron or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Pasadena?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,288/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Pasadena?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $55,234/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Pasadena details →

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