Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Akron, OH (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Jersey City is 169% more expensive than Akron.

$1,902/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 51%
$94,813/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 49%
$534,500 ↑ 381%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 79%
$2,006/mo ↑ 122%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 55%
289,691
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $972/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $11,664/year.

Median household income is $46,269/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Akron — common questions

Is Jersey City or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Akron?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $972/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Akron?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $46,269/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Ohio?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Akron details →

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