Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Richmond is 78% more expensive than Akron.

$1,314/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 29%
$62,671/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 23%
$328,100 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 66%
$1,374/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 34%
227,595
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $14,127/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Akron — common questions

Is Richmond or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Akron?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Akron?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $14,127/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Ohio?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Akron details →

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