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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Akron is 252% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$930/mo ↓ 69%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 221%
$48,544/yr ↓ 72%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 258%
$111,200 ↓ 93%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 1274%
$904/mo ↓ 70%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 238%
189,526
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,055/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $24,660/year.

Median household income is $125,126/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Akron or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $2,055/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $125,126/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Santa Clara details →