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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Akron is 82% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$930/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 98%
$48,544/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 74%
$111,200 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 330%
$904/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 98%
189,526
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $912/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $10,944/year.

Median household income is $36,073/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Akron or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $912/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $36,073/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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