Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Riverside is 162% more expensive than Akron.

$1,812/mo ↑ 95%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 49%
$88,575/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 45%
$542,100 ↑ 388%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 79%
$1,880/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 52%
316,241
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $882/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $10,584/year.

Median household income is $40,031/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Akron — common questions

Is Riverside or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Akron?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $882/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Akron?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $40,031/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Akron details →

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