Akron vs Lancaster

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 $118,519 in Lancaster.

Conversely, $75,000 in Lancaster equals $47,461 in Akron.

Living in Akron vs Lancaster

Housing Costs

Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Lancaster's 148, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $447,000. The $301,000 difference in home prices means roughly $19,560 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,625/mo in Lancaster, a monthly difference of $750.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 109 in Lancaster. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $518/month in Lancaster. 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 111 in Lancaster. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $444 in Lancaster. 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 96 in Lancaster. 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 $81,500 in Lancaster. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $63,672 respectively. Lancaster 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 $1,902/month in Lancaster. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Lancaster, median rent of $1,625/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 88 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases