Akron vs Orem
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Orem
The Verdict
Living in Akron costs 30.8% less than Orem. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Akron, you would need $108,333 in Orem.
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 $108,333 in Orem.
Conversely, $75,000 in Orem equals $51,923 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Orem
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Orem's 147, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $528,000. The $382,000 difference in home prices means roughly $24,828 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,400/mo in Orem, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 98 in Orem. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $466/month in Orem. Orem offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $456/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 80 in Akron and 92 in Orem. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $368 in Orem. 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 95 in Orem. 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 $86,000 in Orem. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $73,504 respectively. Orem 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 $2,007/month in Orem. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Orem, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 87 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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