Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Akron, OH (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Providence is 44% more expensive than Akron.

$1,333/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 30%
$66,772/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 27%
$322,800 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 66%
$1,467/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 38%
190,214
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
Sales Tax
5.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $18,228/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Akron — common questions

Is Providence or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Akron?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Akron?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $18,228/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Ohio?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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.
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