Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Worcester is 89% more expensive than Akron.

$1,415/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 34%
$67,544/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 28%
$339,500 ↑ 205%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 67%
$1,521/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 41%
205,501
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $19,000/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Akron — common questions

Is Worcester or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Akron?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Akron?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $19,000/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Ohio?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Akron details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Akron

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Akron vs. Providence Akron vs. Brownsville Akron vs. Glendale Akron vs. Tempe Akron vs. Vancouver Akron vs. Paradise