Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Akron, OH (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Chicago is 82% more expensive than Akron.

$1,380/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 33%
$75,134/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 35%
$315,200 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 65%
$1,502/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 40%
2,707,648
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $26,590/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Akron — common questions

Is Chicago or Akron 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 Chicago and Akron?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Akron?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $26,590/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Akron details →

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