Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Columbus is 25% more expensive than Akron.

$1,072/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 13%
$56,622/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 14%
$182,300 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 39%
$1,064/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 15%
204,383
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $8,078/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Akron — common questions

Is Columbus 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 Columbus and Akron?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Akron?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $8,078/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Ohio?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Akron details →

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