Direct Answer
Akron, OH has a CostOfCity index of 84, which is 16% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $968/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,286/month.
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Cost of Living in Akron: The Full Picture
Akron, OH sits 16% below the national cost-of-living average — but that single number hides a complex story. Some categories (like insurance and legal fees) deviate more than others. Median income here is $37K, and craft beer, farmers markets, and an increasingly diverse food scene that doesn't require a second mortgage to enjoy. Explore each category below.
Akron Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Akron cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Akron has one of America's genuine bargain markets, where a median income buys a comfortable life
The housing market features a housing market where the American Dream of owning a home is still financially realistic
Lake-effect snow and ice create plumbing emergencies that don't happen in warmer markets. Budget accordingly.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Craft beer, farmers markets, and an increasingly diverse food scene that doesn't require a second mortgage to enjoy..
Few American cities offer better value than Akron. At a cost index of 84, you'll find housing, services, and daily expenses dramatically cheaper than national norms — making it a magnet for remote workers and retirees.
💰 Purchasing Power in Akron
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Akron, your dollar buys 19% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Akron Costs More
🔽 Where Akron Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Akron
What it actually costs to live in Akron each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Akron's cost index of 84 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Don't let the metro-wide numbers fool you — Akron is a city of micro-markets. The most expensive ZIP codes can cost twice as much as the most affordable ones for identical services. Shop around by neighborhood and you'll find genuine pockets of value.
Akron vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Akron
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-17%HVAC Installation
+2%Plumbing Services
-33%Electrical Work
-32%Kitchen Remodel
-33%Bathroom Remodel
-28%House Painting
-9%Flooring Installation
-26%Landscaping
-26%Fence Installation
-18%Window Replacement
-45%Solar Panel Installation
-7%Water Heater Replacement
-31%Deck Building
-36%Pool Installation
-7%Tree Removal
-17%Garage Door Repair
-29%💼 Business Startup Costs in Akron
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-17%Start a Coffee Shop
-2%Start a Food Truck
-13%Start a Gym
-15%Start a Daycare
-5%Start a Hair Salon
+2%Start a Laundromat
-2%Start a Bakery
-4%Start a Bar
-33%Start a Cleaning Business
-6%Start an Airbnb
-21%Start a Trucking Business
-26%📊 Cost of Living in Akron
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-18%Rent Prices
-31%Grocery Costs
+12%Utility Costs
-19%Transportation Costs
-17%Childcare Costs
-21%Gym Membership
+2%🛡️ Insurance in Akron
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-7%Home Insurance
-8%Health Insurance
-29%Business Insurance
-8%Life Insurance
-14%Renters Insurance
-21%Pet Insurance
-4%Dental Insurance
-21%Motorcycle Insurance
-3%⚖️ Legal Services in Akron
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-24%Divorce Lawyer
-15%DUI Lawyer
+1%Immigration Lawyer
+5%Estate Planning Lawyer
-31%Workers Comp Lawyer
-3%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-36%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Akron
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-25%Registered Nurse Salary
+5%Teacher Salary
-27%Electrician Salary
-6%Plumber Salary
-30%Accountant Salary
-44%Physical Therapist Salary
-9%Police Officer Salary
-8%Dentist Salary
-1%Real Estate Agent Salary
-2%How Much Income Do You Need in Akron?
✅ Best For
- Anyone building an emergency fund
- Remote workers keeping coastal salaries
- First-time business owners
- Families prioritizing savings
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
Talk to current residents about hidden costs. The sticker savings are real — just factor in any commute or lifestyle adjustments. Local subreddits and Facebook groups are goldmines for this intel.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Akron
What is the median household income in Akron?
The median household income in Akron is approximately $37,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 84), this goes further than in many US cities.
Is Akron a good place to start a business?
Akron's business environment is shaped by OH's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Below-average operating costs give businesses more runway to reach profitability. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
Is Akron, OH expensive to live in?
Akron's cost of living index is 84, which is 16% below the national average of 100. Akron is one of the more affordable US cities.
Explore Akron in Depth
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Compare Akron Costs Nationally
See how Akron ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Akron cost & affordability searches
- → Rent prices in Akron, OH
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