Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Akron, OH (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Raleigh is 100% more expensive than Akron.

$1,468/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 37%
$82,424/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 41%
$377,800 ↑ 240%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 71%
$1,487/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 39%
470,763
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $33,880/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Akron — common questions

Is Raleigh or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Akron?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Akron?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $33,880/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Ohio?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Akron details →

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