Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Pittsburgh is 38% more expensive than Akron.

$1,221/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 24%
$64,137/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 24%
$193,200 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 42%
$1,136/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 20%
303,620
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $15,593/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Akron — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Akron?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Akron?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $15,593/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Ohio?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Akron details →

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