Akron vs Kent
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Kent
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 40.9%, with Akron being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Akron has equivalent purchasing power to $126,852 in Kent.
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 $126,852 in Kent.
Conversely, $75,000 in Kent equals $44,343 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Kent
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Kent's 195, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $595,000. The $449,000 difference in home prices means roughly $29,184 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,750/mo in Kent, a monthly difference of $875.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 109 in Kent. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $518/month in Kent. 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 92 in Kent. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $368 in Kent. 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 122 in Kent. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 34-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 $98,300 in Kent. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $71,752 respectively. Kent 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 $2,294/month in Kent. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Kent, median rent of $1,750/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 135 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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