Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Akron, OH (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Portland is 151% more expensive than Akron.

$1,596/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 42%
$88,792/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 45%
$557,600 ↑ 401%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 80%
$1,771/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 49%
642,715
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $666/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $7,992/year.

Median household income is $40,248/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Akron — common questions

Is Portland or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Akron?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $666/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Akron?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $40,248/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Ohio?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Akron details →

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