Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Akron, OH (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Madison is 87% more expensive than Akron.

$1,364/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 32%
$76,983/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 37%
$346,900 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 68%
$1,476/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 39%
275,568
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $28,439/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Akron — common questions

Is Madison or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Akron?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Akron?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $28,439/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Ohio?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Akron details →

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