Akron vs Allentown
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Allentown
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 17.3%, with Akron being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Akron has equivalent purchasing power to $90,741 in Allentown.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Akron has the same purchasing power as $90,741 in Allentown.
Conversely, $75,000 in Allentown equals $61,990 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Allentown
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Allentown's 109, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $232,000. The $86,000 difference in home prices means roughly $5,592 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,225/mo in Allentown, a monthly difference of $350.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 101 in Allentown. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $480/month in Allentown. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 80 in Akron and 102 in Allentown. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $408 in Allentown. 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 88 in Akron and 83 in Allentown. 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 $48,500 in Akron and $55,500 in Allentown. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $56,633 respectively. Akron residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,132/month to housing in Akron vs $1,295/month in Allentown. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Allentown, median rent of $1,225/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 49 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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