Akron vs Boise
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Boise
The Verdict
Living in Akron costs 23.6% less than Boise. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Akron, you would need $98,148 in Boise.
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 $98,148 in Boise.
Conversely, $75,000 in Boise equals $57,311 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Boise
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Boise's 118, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $420,000. The $274,000 difference in home prices means roughly $17,808 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,400/mo in Boise, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 99 in Boise. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $470/month in Boise. Boise offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $408/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 80 in Akron and 89 in Boise. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $356 in Boise. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 88 in Akron and 98 in Boise. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $48,500 in Akron and $60,818 in Boise. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $57,375 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 $1,419/month in Boise. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 58 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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