Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Akron, OH (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Huntsville is 42% more expensive than Akron.

$1,078/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 14%
$70,778/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 31%
$263,100 ↑ 137%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 58%
$1,046/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 14%
218,814
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $22,234/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Akron — common questions

Is Huntsville or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Akron?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Akron?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $22,234/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Ohio?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Akron details →

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