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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Louisville is 35% more expensive than Akron.

$1,069/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 13%
$64,731/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 25%
$221,500 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 50%
$1,118/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 19%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $16,187/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Akron — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and Akron?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Akron?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $16,187/year higher in Louisville.
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 Louisville or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Akron details →

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