Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Waco, TX (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Akron is 17% cheaper than Waco.

$930/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 18%
$48,544/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↑ 6%
$111,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 79%
$904/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 21%
189,526
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $2,924/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Waco — common questions

Is Akron or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Waco?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Waco?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $2,924/year higher in Waco.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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