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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $704/month moving to Akron, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.6K in Akron, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Overall Cost
9.4%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$704
Savings
Annual Impact
$8.4K
Per year

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

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$228K

Akron, OH

Population:189K
Cost Index:
91
(9% below avg)
Median Home:$113K

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Akron, OH

The Buckeye State

189K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Des Moines, IA vs Akron, OH

Housing
28.4%
Des Moines, IA
$2,079
Akron, OH
$1,489
Difference
$590
less
Healthcare
22.9%
Des Moines, IA
$682
Akron, OH
$525
Difference
$156
less
Transportation
9.3%
Des Moines, IA
$1,243
Akron, OH
$1,359
Difference
$116
more
Other
3.6%
Des Moines, IA
$1,607
Akron, OH
$1,548
Difference
$58.64
less
Groceries
6.3%
Des Moines, IA
$909
Akron, OH
$967
Difference
$57.33
more
All Utilities
1.4%
Des Moines, IA
$470
Akron, OH
$463
Difference
$6.72
less

🏛️ 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$1,020
To$702
$318
1 Bed
From$1,060
To$769
$291
2 Bed
From$1,260
To$989
$271
3 Bed
From$1,720
To$1,209
$511
Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960$1,150/mo

Akron, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $770$1,040/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.

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

Home Values

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

Homes in Akron are 50% less expensive than Des Moines

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$6.3K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$523
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.2%
Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

Akron, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

💡 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

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

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

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Akron, OH

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