Akron is the 5th-largest city in Ohio that we track, with 189,247 residents. Rent is lower than in 80% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $45,160 a year. That is $22 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Ohio cities?
Yes. Rent here is cheaper than in most of Ohio. It is number 96 of 288 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Akron with other big cities
Compare Akron to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Akron?
Share of households by yearly income. 11.1% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Akron
| Size | Akron | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $828 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $781 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,068 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,211 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,343 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Akron overall?
Everyday prices in the Akron metro area are 7% below the U.S. average (index 93.4, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Akron
Life in Akron
What jobs pay in Akron
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $137,730 | 9.8% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,980 | 10.3% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $127,090 | 10.7% |
| Lawyer | $126,270 | 10.7% |
| Software Developer | $105,430 | 12.9% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $101,040 | 13.4% |
| Operations Manager | $98,340 | 13.8% |
| Civil Engineer | $94,450 | 14.3% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,970 | 16.3% |
| Registered Nurse | $80,770 | 16.8% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,560 | 17.2% |
| Accountant | $78,540 | 17.2% |
| Electrician | $77,360 | 17.5% |
| Police Officer | $74,650 | 18.1% |
| Market Research Analyst | $66,000 | 20.5% |
| Plumber | $63,450 | 21.4% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $62,070 | 21.8% |
| Firefighter | $61,140 | 22.2% |
| HVAC Technician | $61,090 | 22.2% |
| Carpenter | $61,070 | 22.2% |
| Truck Driver | $60,210 | 22.5% |
| Customer Service Representative | $45,420 | 29.8% |
| Medical Assistant | $42,830 | 31.6% |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,250 | 34.5% |
| Warehouse Worker | $39,100 | 34.6% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,150 | 37.5% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,030 | 37.6% |
| Retail Salesperson | $31,060 | 43.6% |
| Cashier | $29,480 | 46.0% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Akron?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $282 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $122,000 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $12,200 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Akron, OH?
Renting in Akron costs a median of about $1,129 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Ohio median is $1,261.
How much do I need to make to live in Akron?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $45,160 a year, or $22 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Akron cheap or expensive?
Akron is rated OK: rent takes 26.1% of the typical household income of $51,850. It ranks 96th cheapest of 288 Ohio cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Akron?
The median homeowner in Akron pays $1,950 a year in property taxes, about 1.60% of the median home value.
Is Akron more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 7% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Akron?
The median home value in Akron is $122,000, about 2.4 times the typical yearly household income.
189,247 people live in Akron. Numbers are typical (middle) values.