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

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Grand Rapids is 44% more expensive than Akron.

$1,191/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 22%
$65,526/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 26%
$225,500 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 51%
$1,136/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 20%
197,768
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

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $16,982/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Akron — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Akron?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Akron?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $16,982/year higher in Grand Rapids.
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 Grand Rapids or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/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 Grand Rapids details → View Akron details →

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