Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Akron, OH (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Houston is 60% more expensive than Akron.

$1,313/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 29%
$62,894/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 23%
$253,400 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 56%
$1,316/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 31%
2,300,419
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $383/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,596/year.

Median household income is $14,350/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Akron — common questions

Is Houston or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Akron?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $383/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Akron?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $14,350/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Akron details →

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