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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Oakland is 255% more expensive than Akron.

$1,917/mo ↑ 106%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 51%
$97,369/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 50%
$924,700 ↑ 732%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 88%
$2,164/mo ↑ 139%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 58%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $987/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $11,844/year.

Median household income is $48,825/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Akron — common questions

Is Oakland or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Akron?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $987/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Akron?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $48,825/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Akron details →

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