Akron vs Tempe
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Tempe
The Verdict
Living in Akron costs 23.6% less than Tempe. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Akron, you would need $98,148 in Tempe.
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 $98,148 in Tempe.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tempe equals $57,311 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Tempe
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Tempe's 114, 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 $1,600/mo in Tempe, a monthly difference of $725.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 100 in Tempe. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $475/month in Tempe. Tempe 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 96 in Tempe. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $384 in Tempe. 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 Tempe. 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 $56,068 in Tempe. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $52,894 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 $1,308/month in Tempe. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Tempe, median rent of $1,600/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 54 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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