Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Akron, OH (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Newark is 82% more expensive than Akron.

$1,330/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 30%
$48,416/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$48,544/yr ≈ Same
$337,800 ↑ 204%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 67%
$1,419/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 36%
307,188
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $128/year higher in Akron. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Akron — common questions

Is Newark or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Akron?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Akron?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $128/year higher in Akron.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Ohio?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Akron details →

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