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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

San Diego is 258% more expensive than Akron.

$2,223/mo ↑ 139%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 58%
$104,321/yr ↑ 115%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 53%
$848,500 ↑ 663%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 87%
$2,308/mo ↑ 155%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 61%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,293/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $15,516/year.

Median household income is $55,777/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Akron — common questions

Is San Diego or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Akron?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $1,293/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Akron?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $55,777/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Akron details →

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