Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Akron, OH (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Washington is 211% more expensive than Akron.

$1,900/mo ↑ 104%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 51%
$106,287/yr ↑ 119%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 54%
$724,600 ↑ 552%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 85%
$2,103/mo ↑ 133%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 57%
672,079
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $57,743/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Akron — common questions

Is Washington or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Akron?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Akron?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $57,743/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Ohio?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Akron details →

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