Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Akron, OH (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Indianapolis is 35% more expensive than Akron.

$1,112/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 16%
$62,995/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 23%
$207,000 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 46%
$1,124/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 20%
882,043
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $14,451/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Akron — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Akron?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Akron?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $14,451/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Ohio?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Akron details →

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