Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Akron is 56% cheaper than Surprise.

$930/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 106%
$48,544/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 92%
$111,200 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 256%
$904/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 76%
189,526
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $987/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $11,844/year.

Median household income is $44,827/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Surprise — common questions

Is Akron or Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $987/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Surprise?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $44,827/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arizona?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Akron and Surprise

Akron vs. Providence Akron vs. Brownsville Akron vs. Glendale Akron vs. Tempe Akron vs. Vancouver Akron vs. Paradise Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite