Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Akron, OH (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Rochester is 11% more expensive than Akron.

$1,039/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 10%
$46,628/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↑ 4%
$120,600 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 8%
$1,009/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 10%
209,720
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $1,916/year higher in Akron. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Akron — common questions

Is Rochester or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Akron?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Akron?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $1,916/year higher in Akron.
How do taxes compare between New York and Ohio?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Akron details →

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