Akron vs Waco
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Akron
Waco
The Verdict
Living in Akron costs 2.4% less than Waco. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Akron, you would need $76,852 in Waco.
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 $76,852 in Waco.
Conversely, $75,000 in Waco equals $73,193 in Akron.
Living in Akron vs Waco
Housing Costs
Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Waco's 63, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $230,000. The $84,000 difference in home prices means roughly $5,460 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,050/mo in Waco, a monthly difference of $175.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 95 in Waco. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $451/month in Waco. Waco offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $636/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 80 in Akron and 97 in Waco. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $388 in Waco. 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 93 in Waco. 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 $49,500 in Waco. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $59,639 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 $1,155/month in Waco. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Waco, median rent of $1,050/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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