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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

San Jose is 362% more expensive than Akron.

$2,617/mo ↑ 181%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 64%
$141,565/yr ↑ 192%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 66%
$1,187,800 ↑ 968%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 91%
$2,775/mo ↑ 207%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 67%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,687/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $20,244/year.

Median household income is $93,021/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Akron — common questions

Is San Jose or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Akron?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $1,687/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Akron?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $93,021/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Akron details →

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