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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $776/month more in Des Moines, IA

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.3K in Des Moines, IA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Cleveland-Elyria, OH area
Overall Cost
↑ 10.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$776
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$9.3K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Akron, OH

Population:189K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$113K

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K
Cost Index:
110
(10% above avg)
Median Home:$228K

Akron, OH

The Buckeye State

189K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 189K residents.

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Akron, OH vs Des Moines, IA

Housing
↑ 39.6%
Akron, OH
$1,489
Des Moines, IA
$2,079
Difference
$590
more
Healthcare
↑ 29.8%
Akron, OH
$525
Des Moines, IA
$682
Difference
$156
more
Transportation
↓ 8.5%
Akron, OH
$1,359
Des Moines, IA
$1,243
Difference
$116
less
Other
↑ 3.8%
Akron, OH
$1,548
Des Moines, IA
$1,607
Difference
$58.64
more
Groceries
↓ 5.9%
Akron, OH
$967
Des Moines, IA
$909
Difference
$57.33
less
All Utilities
↑ 1.5%
Akron, OH
$463
Des Moines, IA
$470
Difference
$6.72
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Akron, OH: Akron Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Des Moines, IA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$702
To$1,020
↑ $318
1 Bed
From$769
To$1,060
↑ $291
2 Bed
From$989
To$1,260
↑ $271
3 Bed
From$1,209
To$1,720
↑ $511
Akron, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $770–$1,040/mo

Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,150/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,351
Monthly in Akron, OH
$6,990
Monthly in Des Moines, IA
$639
Difference

Home Values

Akron
Des Moines
$113K
Median Value
$228K
↑ +1.8%
YoY Change
↑ +1.2%
↑ +38.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.4%
$73K - $245K
Price Range
$157K - $344K

Homes in Des Moines are 101% more expensive than Akron

Calculate payment - AkronCalculate payment - Des Moines

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $6.3K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$523
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.2%
Rate difference

Akron, OH

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Ohio State Tax
Effective: 3.0%
$4.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.6%
$41.4K
Take-Home Pay
$9,047/month
$108.6K

Des Moines, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

Additional Tax Information

Akron, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Akron
Des Moines
54 Moderate
Air Quality
45 Good
37.2%
Good Air Days
67.5%
98 High
Climate Risk
92 Moderate
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌡☀🌪
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.4°F
11 days
Heat Days >95°F
25 days
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.4°F
11 days
Heat Days >95°F
25 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Ohio and Iowa on TaxTakeHome.com

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