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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Richmond

California
161

Akron is 106% cheaper than Richmond.

$930/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 104%
$48,544/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 85%
$111,200 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 485%
$904/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 123%
189,526
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $965/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $11,580/year.

Median household income is $41,494/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Richmond — common questions

Is Akron or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Richmond?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $965/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Richmond?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $41,494/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Richmond details →