Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Akron, OH (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Durham is 91% more expensive than Akron.

$1,412/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 34%
$79,234/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 39%
$355,300 ↑ 220%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 69%
$1,434/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 37%
288,465
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $30,690/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Akron — common questions

Is Durham or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Akron?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Akron?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $30,690/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Ohio?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Akron details →

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