Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Akron, OH (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Baltimore is 53% more expensive than Akron.

$1,290/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 28%
$59,623/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 19%
$219,300 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 49%
$1,333/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 32%
577,193
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $11,079/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Akron — common questions

Is Baltimore or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Akron?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Akron?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $11,079/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Ohio?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Akron details →

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