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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Irvine is 365% more expensive than Akron.

$2,893/mo ↑ 211%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 68%
$129,647/yr ↑ 167%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 63%
$1,115,400 ↑ 903%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 90%
$2,904/mo ↑ 221%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 69%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,963/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $23,556/year.

Median household income is $81,103/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Akron — common questions

Is Irvine or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Akron?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $1,963/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Akron?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $81,103/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Akron details →

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