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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Columbus is 51% more expensive than Akron.

$1,224/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 24%
$65,327/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 26%
$234,500 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 53%
$1,243/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 27%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $16,783/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Akron?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Akron?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $16,783/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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