Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Des Moines is 27% more expensive than Akron.

$1,054/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 12%
$63,966/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 24%
$183,700 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 39%
$1,137/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 20%
212,464
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $15,422/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Akron — common questions

Is Des Moines or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Akron?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Akron?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $15,422/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Ohio?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Akron details →

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