Akron vs Madison
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Madison
The Verdict
Akron is 23.6% less expensive than Madison overall. A household earning $75,000 in Akron would need approximately $98,148 in Madison to maintain the same standard of living.
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 $98,148 in Madison.
Conversely, $75,000 in Madison equals $57,311 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Madison
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Madison's 115, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $340,000. The $194,000 difference in home prices means roughly $12,612 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,400/mo in Madison, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 101 in Madison. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $480/month in Madison. 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 97 in Madison. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $388 in Madison. 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 105 in Madison. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 17-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 $67,565 in Madison. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $63,741 respectively. Madison 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 $1,577/month in Madison. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Madison, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 55 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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