Akron vs Canton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Canton
The Verdict
Living in Canton costs 2.5% less than Akron. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Akron, you would need $73,148 in Canton.
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 $73,148 in Canton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Canton equals $76,899 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Canton
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is higher Canton's 48, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $120,000. The $26,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,692 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $775/mo in Canton, a monthly difference of $100.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 104 in Canton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $494/month in Canton. 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 101 in Canton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $404 in Canton. 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 103 in Canton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 15-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 $41,500 in Canton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $52,532 respectively. Akron residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,132/month to housing in Akron vs $968/month in Canton. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Canton, median rent of $775/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 21 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases