Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Akron is 48% cheaper than Paterson.

$930/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 57%
$48,544/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 11%
$111,200 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 202%
$904/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 72%
189,526
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $6,324/year.

Median household income is $5,222/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Paterson — common questions

Is Akron or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Paterson?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Paterson?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $5,222/year higher in Paterson.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Jersey?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Paterson details →

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