Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Boston is 220% more expensive than Akron.

$2,093/mo ↑ 125%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 56%
$94,755/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 49%
$710,400 ↑ 539%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 84%
$2,176/mo ↑ 141%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 58%
663,972
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,163/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $13,956/year.

Median household income is $46,211/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Akron — common questions

Is Boston or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Akron?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $1,163/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Akron?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $46,211/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Ohio?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Akron details →

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