Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Akron, OH (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Montgomery is 16% more expensive than Akron.

$1,059/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 12%
$55,687/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 13%
$148,500 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 25%
$1,023/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 12%
198,440
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $7,143/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Akron — common questions

Is Montgomery or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Akron?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Akron?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $7,143/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Ohio?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Akron details →

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