Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Akron, OH (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Birmingham is 13% more expensive than Akron.

$1,047/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 11%
$44,376/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↑ 9%
$138,600 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 20%
$991/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 9%
199,322
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $4,168/year higher in Akron. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Akron — common questions

Is Birmingham or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 62 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Akron?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Akron?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $4,168/year higher in Akron.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Ohio?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Akron details →

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