Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Salem, OR (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Akron is 50% cheaper than Salem.

$930/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 42%
$48,544/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 48%
$111,200 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 244%
$904/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 59%
189,526
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.75%
Sales Tax
0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $23,356/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Salem — common questions

Is Akron or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Salem?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Salem?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $23,356/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Oregon?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Salem details →