Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Akron is 71% cheaper than Sparks.

$930/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 78%
$48,544/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 79%
$111,200 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 310%
$904/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 78%
189,526
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.85%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $38,435/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Sparks — common questions

Is Akron or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Sparks?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Sparks?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $38,435/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Nevada?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Sparks details →