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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Cleveland is 7% cheaper than Akron.

$894/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↑ 4%
$39,187/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↑ 24%
$94,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$111,200 ↑ 18%
$866/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↑ 4%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,357/year higher in Akron. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Akron — common questions

Is Cleveland or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 55 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Akron?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Akron?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $9,357/year higher in Akron.
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 Cleveland or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Akron details →

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