Cost of Living in Akron, OH

Population 189,526 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Akron's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $48,544 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 23% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Cost Overview

Housing 36
Rent 71

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Akron

The median home value in Akron is $111,200 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $930/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,544/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 62.1°F and lows of 42.5°F. Overall, Akron has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$111,200
64% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$134,375
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$930/mo
29% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,134/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.0x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$686
1 BR
$748
2 BR
$929
3 BR
$1,199
4 BR
$1,374
Owner-occupied 50.8%
Renter-occupied 49.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$930
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,544/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.9 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.3%
Carpooled
10.9%
Public transit
2.2%
Walked
1.7%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
9.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 3.8%
Total Sales Tax 7.2%
State rate 5.8%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$48,544
35% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,763
Unemployment Rate
8.0%
67% above avg
Poverty Rate
22.9%
Labor Force Participation
63.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.3%
Graduate degree 8.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.2
Male median age 35.9
Female median age 38.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
62.1°F
Avg Low
42.5°F
Annual Precip
32.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 374049627381858477655241
Low °F 212230405160646255443527
Precip" 1.831.452.482.833.563.673.653.003.182.532.322.01

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
60.1%
Good air days/yr
230
Max AQI recorded
198
PM2.5 days
150
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82.5%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15:1
Student-teacher ratio
53
Public schools
24,779
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Akron, OH?

Akron has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Akron, OH?

The median gross rent in Akron is $930 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Akron?

The median home value in Akron is $111,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Akron?

The median household income in Akron is $48,544 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Akron, OH?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Akron is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.

Is Akron, OH affordable?

Yes, Akron is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Akron?

Akron has average high temperatures of 62.1°F and average lows of 42.5°F. Annual precipitation is 32.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Akron at a Glance

Population
189,526
Median Income
$48,544
Home Value
$111,200
Median Rent
$930/mo
Unemployment
8.0%
Avg High Temp
62.1°F
Sales Tax
7.2%
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🗺️ County data for Ohio

Explore county-level cost of living data

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