Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Akron, OH (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

St. Paul is 65% more expensive than Akron.

$1,248/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 25%
$73,055/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 34%
$280,300 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 60%
$1,390/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 35%
307,762
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $24,511/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Akron — common questions

Is St. Paul or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Akron?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Akron?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $24,511/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Ohio?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Akron details →

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