Akron vs Salem
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Salem
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 Salem.
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 Salem.
Conversely, $75,000 in Salem equals $58,413 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Salem
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Salem's 118, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $400,000. The $254,000 difference in home prices means roughly $16,512 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,275/mo in Salem, a monthly difference of $400.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 100 in Salem. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $475/month in Salem. Salem offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $348/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 80 in Akron and 97 in Salem. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $388 in Salem. 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 100 in Salem. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-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 $66,400 in Salem. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $63,846 respectively. Salem 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 $1,549/month in Salem. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Salem, median rent of $1,275/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 58 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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