Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Akron, OH (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Lexington is 49% more expensive than Akron.

$1,101/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 16%
$67,631/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 28%
$272,100 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 59%
$1,160/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 22%
321,122
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $19,087/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Akron — common questions

Is Lexington or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Akron?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Akron?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $19,087/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Ohio?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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.
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