Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Seattle is 256% more expensive than Akron.

$1,998/mo ↑ 115%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 53%
$121,984/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 60%
$912,100 ↑ 720%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 88%
$2,220/mo ↑ 146%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 59%
741,440
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,068/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $12,816/year.

Median household income is $73,440/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Akron — common questions

Is Seattle or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Akron?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $1,068/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Akron?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $73,440/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Ohio?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Akron details →

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