Akron vs Pittsburgh

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 $86,111 in Pittsburgh.

Conversely, $75,000 in Pittsburgh equals $65,323 in Akron.

Living in Akron vs Pittsburgh

Housing Costs

Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Pittsburgh's 79, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $195,000. The $49,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,180 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,100/mo in Pittsburgh, a monthly difference of $225.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 101 in Pittsburgh. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $480/month in Pittsburgh. 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 100 in Pittsburgh. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $400 in Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh. 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 $52,536 in Pittsburgh. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $56,490 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 $1,226/month in Pittsburgh. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Pittsburgh, median rent of $1,100/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 23 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases