Abilene vs Akron
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Abilene
Akron
The Verdict
Living in Abilene costs 1.2% less than Akron. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Abilene, you would need $75,938 in Akron.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Abilene has the same purchasing power as $75,938 in Akron.
Conversely, $75,000 in Akron equals $74,074 in Abilene.
Living in Abilene vs Akron
Housing Costs
Abilene's housing index of 58 is lower Akron's 60, translating to median home prices of $179,000 vs $146,000. The $33,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,148 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Abilene compared to $875/mo in Akron, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 91 in Abilene and 106 in Akron. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $432/month in Abilene vs $504/month in Akron. Abilene offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $864/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Abilene and 80 in Akron. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Abilene vs $320 in Akron. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 96 in Abilene and 88 in Akron. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $62,600 in Abilene and $48,500 in Akron. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $78,250 and $59,877 respectively. Abilene residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,461/month to housing in Abilene vs $1,132/month in Akron. In Abilene, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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