Akron, Ohio, offers big city amenities without the high cost of living. The overall cost of living here is about 14 percent below the national average and 5 percent below most cities in Ohio [citation:7]. Known for its healthcare and polymer industries, Akron maintains a small-town feel that budget-conscious families and professionals appreciate [citation:7].

🏠 Housing & Rent

Housing is where you’ll save the most in Akron. Rental rates run about 5 percent lower than the rest of Ohio and 24 percent less than the national average [citation:7]. The average rent for all property types in Akron is $1,100, which is 45% lower than the national average of $2,000 [citation:2].

Average Rent by Bedroom (Akron Average)

🏢 Studio Apartment	$650 / month [citation:1]
🏢 1-Bedroom Apartment	$690 / month [citation:1]
🏢 2-Bedroom Apartment	$875 / month [citation:1]
🏢 3-Bedroom Apartment	$1,250 / month [citation:2]
🏢 4-Bedroom Apartment	$4,238 / month [citation:2]
🏠 Single-Family Home	$80,000 – $100,000 (purchase) [citation:7]

Affordable Neighborhoods

If you’re looking for the best deals, these neighborhoods offer 1-bedroom rent below the city average [citation:1]:

📍 Downtown Akron	$515 / month
📍 Middlebury	$650 / month
📍 Northwest Akron	$670 / month
📍 Sherbondy Hill	$675 / month
📍 West Hill	$690 / month

💡 Utilities

Insurance and utilities run high in Akron, with the average gas bill being 64 percent higher than the national average due to Ohio’s cold winters and hot summers [citation:7].

⚡ Electricity (average monthly)	$190 / month [citation:4]
⚡ Electricity rate	14¢ per kWh (28% lower than national avg) [citation:4]
💧 Water & Sewer (base)	$24.84 / month [citation:9]
🌐 Internet (60 Mbps)	$60 – $80 / month

🛒 Groceries & Food

The cost of food in Akron is 14 percent higher than the U.S. average [citation:7]. Dairy and produce cost 10 to 15 percent more than the national average, with a gallon of milk going for nearly $3 [citation:7].

🥛 Milk (1 gallon)	$2.89 [citation:8]
🍞 White Bread (500g)	$2.79 [citation:3]
🥚 Eggs (12, large)	$2.02 – $4.64 [citation:3][citation:8]
🍗 Chicken breast (1 lb)	$3.19 – $5.85 [citation:3][citation:8]
🧀 Local cheese (1 lb)	$4.93 – $11.14 [citation:3]
🍎 Apples (1 lb)	$2.50 – $3.53 [citation:3][citation:8]
🍌 Bananas (1 lb)	$0.64 [citation:3]
🥔 Potatoes (1 lb)	$1.49 – $2.07 [citation:3][citation:8]
🍅 Tomatoes (1 lb)	$2.93 – $3.53 [citation:3]
🧅 Onions (1 lb)	$1.55 – $1.77 [citation:3]
🍷 Wine (bottle, good quality)	$12 – $14 [citation:3][citation:8]

🍽️ Dining Out

Dining out in Akron remains affordable. A meal at a cheap restaurant will run you around $10 a plate, but be prepared to pay $75 or more for a full meal for two at a mid-range establishment [citation:7].

🍔 Fast food combo meal	$7 – $8 [citation:7][citation:8]
🍽️ Basic lunch in business district	$14 [citation:8]
🍺 Domestic beer (0.5L)	$1.70 – $2.73 [citation:3][citation:8]
☕ Cappuccino	$5.07 [citation:3]
🍕 Large pizza	$17 [citation:3]

🚗 Transportation

The city of Akron does have public transportation via the METRO, which costs $50 for a monthly pass [citation:7]. However, the city is not very walkable, and having a private vehicle is a necessity for the vast majority of residents [citation:7].

🚌 Monthly public transit pass	$50 [citation:7]
🚕 Taxi base fare (day)	$3.80 – $4.30 [citation:5][citation:10]
🚕 Taxi per mile rate	$2.25 per mile [citation:5]
🚕 Taxi (5km ride)	$10.80 – $13.80 [citation:5][citation:10]
⛽ Gasoline (per gallon)	Comparable to national average [citation:7]

🏥 Healthcare

Akron is known for its healthcare ventures, being home to Akron Children’s Hospital, the first hospital in the world to grow human skin in a lab [citation:7].

👨‍⚕️ Doctor’s visit	$133 – $140 [citation:3]
🦷 Dentist visit	$133 [citation:3]

🎬 Lifestyle & Entertainment

Most activities and entertainment options are fairly inexpensive in Akron [citation:7].

🎬 Movie ticket (weekend night)	$9 [citation:7]
🎳 Bowling (per game)	~$4 [citation:7]
🏛️ Akron Zoo family membership	$75 / year [citation:7]
💇 Men’s haircut	$30 – $40 [citation:3]
🏋️ Gym membership (monthly)	$58 – $78 [citation:3]

🛍️ Shopping

While you might pay more for basic necessities like toothpaste and shampoo, clothes are priced anywhere from 20 to 30 percent below the national average in Akron [citation:7].

📊 Monthly Budget Summary