Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Akron, OH (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Phoenix is 98% more expensive than Akron.

$1,458/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 36%
$77,041/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 37%
$381,900 ↑ 243%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 71%
$1,430/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 37%
1,624,832
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $28,497/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Akron — common questions

Is Phoenix or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Akron?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Akron?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $28,497/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Ohio?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Akron details →

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