Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Akron, OH (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Mesa is 95% more expensive than Akron.

$1,478/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 37%
$78,779/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 38%
$364,300 ↑ 228%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 69%
$1,404/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 36%
507,478
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $548/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $6,576/year.

Median household income is $30,235/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Akron — common questions

Is Mesa or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Akron?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $548/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Akron?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $30,235/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Ohio?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Akron details →

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