Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Modesto is 118% more expensive than Akron.

$1,609/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 42%
$77,899/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 38%
$415,600 ↑ 274%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 73%
$1,613/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 44%
218,614
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $29,355/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Akron — common questions

Is Modesto or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Akron?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Akron?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $29,355/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Akron details →

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