Moving from Akron to Columbus (2026)
Columbus has a COL index of 83 vs 84 for Akron (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$136/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8483
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$1,100
per month
State tax
3.5%5.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,522$4,397
per month
Salary needed in Columbus to match your Akron lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Akron | Equivalent in Columbus |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,524 |
| $50K | $49,405 |
| $60K | $59,286 |
| $75K | $74,107 |
| $80K | $79,048 |
| $100K | $98,810 |
| $120K | $118,571 |
| $150K | $148,214 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Akron vs Columbus
| Expense | Akron | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,522 | $4,397 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $365 | $353 |
| Transport | $62 | $40 |
| Utilities | $162 | $160 |
| Internet | $58 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,675 | $2,686 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus cheaper than Akron?
Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 83 vs 84 for Akron (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Akron to Columbus?
On a $75K salary, moving from Akron to Columbus could save roughly $136/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,632/year.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Akron lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Akron, you'd need roughly $74,107/year in Columbus. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbus to AkronAkron vs Columbus — full comparisonAkron cost of livingColumbus cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only