Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Akron, OH (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Albuquerque is 25% more expensive than Akron.

$1,085/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 14%
$65,604/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 26%
$266,700 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 58%
$1,149/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 21%
562,488
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.75%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $17,060/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Akron — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Akron?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Akron?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $17,060/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Ohio?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Akron has a cost index of 55 with rent of $930/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Akron details →