Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Akron, OH (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Detroit and Akron have a similar cost of living.

$1,034/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 10%
$39,575/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↑ 23%
$76,800 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$111,200 ↑ 45%
$868/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↑ 4%
636,644
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $8,969/year higher in Akron. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Akron — common questions

Is Detroit or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 55 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Akron?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Akron?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $8,969/year higher in Akron.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Ohio?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Akron details →

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