Akron vs Provo
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Provo
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 22.1%, with Akron being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Akron has equivalent purchasing power to $96,296 in Provo.
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 $96,296 in Provo.
Conversely, $75,000 in Provo equals $58,413 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Provo
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Provo's 112, 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 $1,300/mo in Provo, a monthly difference of $425.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 98 in Provo. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $466/month in Provo. Provo 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 87 in Provo. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $348 in Provo. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 88 in Akron and 97 in Provo. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 9-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 $51,048 in Provo. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $49,085 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 $1,191/month in Provo. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Provo, median rent of $1,300/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 52 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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