Is Akron, OH cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Akron, OH is 22.3% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $1675 per month.

What salary do I need in Akron, OH to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $129,905.524 in Akron, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Akron, OH?

Housing in Akron, OH is 46.0% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $989/month in Akron, OH compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, WI to Akron, OH?

Moving from Madison, WI to Akron, OH could save you approximately $1675 per month, or $20094 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Akron, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.9K in Akron, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Madison, WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 22.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,675

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.1K

Per year

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

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$427K

Akron, OH

Population:189K

Cost Index:

(22% below avg)

Median Home:$113K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K 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: Madison, WI vs Akron, OH

Category	Madison, WI	Akron, OH	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,755/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $1,266less	46.0%
Other	$1,791/mo	$1,548/mo	↓ $243less	13.6%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$525/mo	↓ $193less	26.9%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,359/mo	↓ $48.37less	3.4%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$463/mo	↓ $44.97less	8.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$967/mo	↑ $7.37more	0.8%

Housing

↓ 46.0%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Akron, OH

$1,489

Difference

$1,266

less

Other

↓ 13.6%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Akron, OH

$1,548

Difference

$243

less

Healthcare

↓ 26.9%

Madison, WI

$719

Akron, OH

$525

Difference

$193

less

Transportation

↓ 3.4%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Akron, OH

$1,359

Difference

$48.37

less

All Utilities

↓ 8.8%

Madison, WI

$508

Akron, OH

$463

Difference

$44.97

less

Groceries

↑ 0.8%

Madison, WI

$959

Akron, OH

$967

Difference

$7.37

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Madison, WI 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$1,370

To$702

↓ $668

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$769

↓ $836

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$989

↓ $846

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$1,209

↓ $1,216

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/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.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$6,351

Monthly in Akron, OH

$1,788

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Akron

$427K

Median Value

$113K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.9%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$73K - $245K

Homes in Akron are 73% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Akron

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$369

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

Rate difference

Madison, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.