Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Akron, OH (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Kansas City is 45% more expensive than Akron.

$1,186/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 22%
$67,449/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 28%
$227,000 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 51%
$1,205/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 25%
508,233
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $18,905/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Akron — common questions

Is Kansas 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Akron?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Akron?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $18,905/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Ohio?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Akron details →

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