Akron vs Newark
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Newark
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 33.1%, with Akron being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Akron has equivalent purchasing power to $112,037 in Newark.
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 $112,037 in Newark.
Conversely, $75,000 in Newark equals $50,207 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Newark
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Newark's 149, 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 Newark, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 103 in Newark. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $489/month in Newark. 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 118 in Newark. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $472 in Newark. 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 Newark. 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 $40,014 in Newark. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $33,069 respectively. Akron residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,132/month to housing in Akron vs $934/month in Newark. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Newark, 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 89 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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