Akron vs Glendale
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Glendale
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 28.3%, with Akron being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Akron has equivalent purchasing power to $104,630 in Glendale.
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 $104,630 in Glendale.
Conversely, $75,000 in Glendale equals $53,761 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Glendale
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Glendale's 119, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $405,000. The $259,000 difference in home prices means roughly $16,836 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,400/mo in Glendale, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 103 in Glendale. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $489/month in Glendale. 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 98 in Glendale. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $392 in Glendale. 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 94 in Glendale. 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 $70,100 in Glendale. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $62,035 respectively. Glendale residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,132/month to housing in Akron vs $1,636/month in Glendale. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Glendale, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 59 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases