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

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Akron is 117% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$930/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 124%
$48,544/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 101%
$111,200 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 516%
$904/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 136%
189,526
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,154/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $13,848/year.

Median household income is $48,866/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Akron or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,154/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $48,866/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Santa Rosa details →