Akron vs Modesto
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Modesto
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 27.7%, with Akron being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Akron has equivalent purchasing power to $103,704 in Modesto.
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 $103,704 in Modesto.
Conversely, $75,000 in Modesto equals $54,241 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Modesto
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Modesto's 121, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $380,000. The $234,000 difference in home prices means roughly $15,216 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,400/mo in Modesto, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 100 in Modesto. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $475/month in Modesto. Modesto offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $348/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 80 in Akron and 108 in Modesto. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $432 in Modesto. 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 100 in Modesto. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-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 $55,138 in Modesto. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $49,230 respectively. Akron residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,132/month to housing in Akron vs $1,287/month in Modesto. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Modesto, median rent of $1,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 61 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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