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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

San Francisco is 385% more expensive than Akron.

$2,419/mo ↑ 160%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 62%
$141,446/yr ↑ 191%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 66%
$1,380,500 ↑ 1141%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 92%
$2,620/mo ↑ 190%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 65%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,489/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $17,868/year.

Median household income is $92,902/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Akron — common questions

Is San Francisco or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Akron?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $1,489/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Akron?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $92,902/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Akron details →

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