Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Fresno is 84% more expensive than Akron.

$1,324/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 30%
$66,804/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 27%
$348,500 ↑ 213%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 68%
$1,391/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 35%
543,615
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $18,260/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Akron — common questions

Is Fresno or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Akron?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Akron?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $18,260/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Akron details →

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