Akron vs Roanoke
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Roanoke
The Verdict
Living in Akron costs 0.0% less than Roanoke. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Akron, you would need $75,000 in Roanoke.
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 $75,000 in Roanoke.
Conversely, $75,000 in Roanoke equals $75,000 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Roanoke
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is higher Roanoke's 57, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $225,000. The $79,000 difference in home prices means roughly $5,136 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,075/mo in Roanoke, a monthly difference of $200.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 97 in Roanoke. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $461/month in Roanoke. Roanoke offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $516/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 80 in Akron and 116 in Roanoke. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $464 in Roanoke. 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 91 in Roanoke. 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 $52,700 in Roanoke. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $65,062 respectively. Roanoke 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 $1,230/month in Roanoke. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Roanoke, median rent of $1,075/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 36 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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