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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Salinas

California
156

Akron is 101% cheaper than Salinas.

$930/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↑ 107%
$48,544/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↑ 84%
$111,200 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 449%
$904/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↑ 112%
189,526
Population
161,993

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
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $993/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $11,916/year.

Median household income is $40,606/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Salinas — common questions

Is Akron or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Salinas?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $993/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Salinas?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $40,606/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Salinas details →