Akron vs Syracuse
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Syracuse
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 12.0%, with Akron being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Akron has equivalent purchasing power to $85,185 in Syracuse.
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 $85,185 in Syracuse.
Conversely, $75,000 in Syracuse equals $66,033 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Syracuse
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Syracuse's 69, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $140,000. The $6,000 difference in home prices means roughly $396 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $950/mo in Syracuse, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 101 in Syracuse. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $480/month in Syracuse. 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 105 in Syracuse. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $420 in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse. 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 $36,708 in Syracuse. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $39,900 respectively. Akron residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,132/month to housing in Akron vs $857/month in Syracuse. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Syracuse, median rent of $950/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 25 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases