Akron vs Denver
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Akron
Denver
💡 The Verdict
Akron is 31% cheaper than Denver overall. A $75,000 salary in Akron is equivalent to $109,259 in Denver.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Akron (left) vs Denver (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Akron versus Denver. Differences shown from Akron perspective.
| Item | Akron | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $790/mo | $1,420/mo | $-630.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,180/mo | $1,900/mo | $-720.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,550/mo | $2,410/mo | $-860.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.26 | $3.06 | $-0.80 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.19 | $4.03 | $-0.84 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.05 | $2.89 | $-0.84 |
| Coffee (latte) | $4.79 | $5.83 | $-1.04 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.05 | $3.29 | $-0.24 |
| Restaurant Meal | $13.96 | $18.25 | $-4.29 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Akron has the same purchasing power as $109,259 in Denver.
Conversely, $75,000 in Denver equals $51,483 in Akron.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $675 difference is driven by Colorado having a higher state income tax rate. Ohio details → · Colorado details →
Reading These Numbers: Akron (81) vs Denver (118)
Akron at 81 is 19% below the US average, while Denver at 118 is 18% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Akron, the composite index of 81 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 84, followed by groceries (79), utilities (73), transportation (80), and healthcare (81). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,180/mo in Akron and $1,900/mo in Denver, the annual rent difference is approximately $8,640.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $43,200.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $256,000.0 difference in median home prices between Akron and Denver translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Akron vs Denver
Choosing between Akron and Denver involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Akron and Denver can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.