Akron vs Milwaukee
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Akron
Milwaukee
💡 The Verdict
Akron is 12% cheaper than Milwaukee overall. A $75,000 salary in Akron is equivalent to $85,185 in Milwaukee.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Akron (left) vs Milwaukee (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Akron versus Milwaukee. Differences shown from Akron perspective.
| Item | Akron | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $790/mo | $820/mo | $-30.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,180/mo | $1,100/mo | +$80.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,550/mo | $1,460/mo | +$90.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.26 | $2.84 | $-0.58 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.19 | $3.56 | $-0.37 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.05 | $3.27 | $-1.22 |
| Coffee (latte) | $4.79 | $5.48 | $-0.69 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.05 | $3.46 | $-0.41 |
| Restaurant Meal | $13.96 | $15.63 | $-1.67 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Akron has the same purchasing power as $85,185 in Milwaukee.
Conversely, $75,000 in Milwaukee equals $66,033 in Akron.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $1350 difference is driven by Wisconsin having a higher state income tax rate. Ohio details → · Wisconsin details →
Reading These Numbers: Akron (81) vs Milwaukee (92)
Akron at 81 is 19% below the US average, while Milwaukee at 92 is 8% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Akron, the composite index of 81 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 84, followed by groceries (79), utilities (73), transportation (80), and healthcare (81). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,180/mo in Akron and $1,100/mo in Milwaukee, the annual rent difference is approximately $960.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $4,800.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $89,000.0 difference in median home prices between Akron and Milwaukee translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
🔗 Related Tools
📚 Moving & Relocation Resources
Amazon affiliate links
CITY PROFILES
Making Your Decision: Akron vs Milwaukee
Choosing between Akron and Milwaukee involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Akron and Milwaukee can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.