Is Akron, OH cheaper than Grand Rapids, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Akron, OH is 12.7% cheaper than Grand Rapids, MI. This translates to saving $949 per month.

What salary do I need in Akron, OH to live like I do in Grand Rapids, MI?

If you earn $150,000 in Grand Rapids, MI, you'd need approximately $138,611.448 in Akron, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Grand Rapids, MI and Akron, OH?

Housing in Akron, OH is 24.5% cheaper than in Grand Rapids, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $989/month in Akron, OH compared to $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, OH?

Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, OH could save you approximately $949 per month, or $11389 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Grand Rapids, MI vs Akron, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Grand Rapids, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $949/month moving to Akron, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Akron, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$949

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

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

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$288K

Akron, OH

Population:189K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$113K

Grand Rapids, MI

The Great Lakes State

197K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 197K 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: Grand Rapids, MI vs Akron, OH

Category	Grand Rapids, MI	Akron, OH	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,973/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $484less	24.5%
Healthcare	$728/mo	$525/mo	↓ $203less	27.9%
Other	$1,649/mo	$1,548/mo	↓ $101less	6.1%
Transportation	$1,444/mo	$1,359/mo	↓ $85.04less	5.9%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$463/mo	↓ $51.55less	10.0%
Groceries	$972/mo	$967/mo	↓ $5.05less	0.5%

Housing

↓ 24.5%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Akron, OH

$1,489

Difference

$484

less

Healthcare

↓ 27.9%

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Akron, OH

$525

Difference

$203

less

Other

↓ 6.1%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Akron, OH

$1,548

Difference

$101

less

Transportation

↓ 5.9%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Akron, OH

$1,359

Difference

$85.04

less

All Utilities

↓ 10.0%

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Akron, OH

$463

Difference

$51.55

less

Groceries

↓ 0.5%

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Akron, OH

$967

Difference

$5.05

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids City Income Tax$2,250/yr (1.5%)

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

Net difference+$1,500/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,334

To$702

↓ $632

1 Bed

From$1,375

To$769

↓ $606

2 Bed

From$1,652

To$989

↓ $663

3 Bed

From$2,134

To$1,209

↓ $925

Grand Rapids, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280–$1,420/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.

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$6,351

Monthly in Akron, OH

$929

Difference

Home Values

Grand Rapids

Akron

$288K

Median Value

$113K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +40.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.9%

$229K - $481K

Price Range

$73K - $245K

Homes in Akron are 61% less expensive than Grand Rapids

Calculate payment - Grand Rapids Calculate payment - Akron

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$162

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Grand Rapids, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

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

Grand Rapids, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.