Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Akron, OH (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Cincinnati is 25% more expensive than Akron.

$953/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 2%
$51,707/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 6%
$215,300 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 48%
$1,041/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 13%
309,595
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,163/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Akron — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Akron?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Akron?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $3,163/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Ohio?
Both cities are in Ohio and share the same state tax rates: 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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.
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