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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Milwaukee is 22% more expensive than Akron.

$1,033/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 10%
$51,888/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 6%
$172,000 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 35%
$1,082/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 16%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $3,344/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Akron — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Akron?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Akron?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $3,344/year higher in Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Akron details →

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