Akron vs Hattiesburg
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Hattiesburg
The Verdict
Living in Hattiesburg costs 5.2% less than Akron. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Akron, you would need $71,296 in Hattiesburg.
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 $71,296 in Hattiesburg.
Conversely, $75,000 in Hattiesburg equals $78,896 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Hattiesburg
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is higher Hattiesburg's 52, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $170,000. The $24,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,560 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $875/mo in Hattiesburg, a monthly difference of $0.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 97 in Hattiesburg. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $461/month in Hattiesburg. Hattiesburg offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $516/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 80 in Akron and 93 in Hattiesburg. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $372 in Hattiesburg. 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 106 in Hattiesburg. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 18-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 $44,100 in Hattiesburg. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $57,273 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 $1,029/month in Hattiesburg. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Hattiesburg, median rent of $875/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 18 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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