Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Akron is 21% cheaper than Waterbury.

$930/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 27%
$48,544/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↑ 6%
$111,200 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 67%
$904/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 41%
189,526
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $3,098/year higher in Waterbury. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Akron or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Waterbury?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Waterbury?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $3,098/year higher in Waterbury.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Connecticut?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Waterbury details →