Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Akron is 45% cheaper than Wilmington.

$930/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 41%
$48,544/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 32%
$111,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 215%
$904/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 52%
189,526
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.75%
Sales Tax
4.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $15,356/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Akron or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Wilmington?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Wilmington?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $15,356/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Wilmington details →