Ohio · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Akron, OH

The median household in Akron, OH earns $48,076 a year ($4,006/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,268/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $50,720 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 6.6% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$48,076$4,006 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,268HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)93.4-6.6% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate19.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential OH
Census Population189,247Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Akron, OH

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,268Monthly market rent
Share of gross income31.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$50,720To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,202At 30% of $48,076
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Akron, OH

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Akron, OH MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Akron, OH
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$904$10,848$36,16022.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment$985$11,820$39,40024.6%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,268$15,216$50,72031.6%
3-Bedroom Home$1,547$18,564$61,88038.6%
4-Bedroom Home$1,681$20,172$67,24042%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Akron, OH →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Akron, OH

Based on the local median household income of $48,076/year ($4,006/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,003/moRent ($1,268 2-BR), utilities (~$173/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,202/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 93.4 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$801/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Ohio

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Ohio state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$48,076
$15,000$100,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$48,076
Net 83%
Fed 7%
OH 2%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$39,930After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,328Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,536Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate16.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,589 / yr
Ohio state income tax$879 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,678 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Ohio with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Akron, OH

What is the median household income in Akron, OH?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Akron, OH is $48,076 per year (approximately $4,006 per month).

What is the average rent in Akron, OH?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Akron, OH are $904 for a studio, $985 for 1 bedroom, $1,268 for 2 bedrooms, $1,547 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,681 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Akron, OH compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Akron, OH is 93.4 (6.6% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Akron, OH?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,268/month) in Akron, OH requires a minimum gross household income of $50,720 per year ($4,227 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Akron, OH?

For a typical household earning the median income of $48,076/year ($4,006/month) in Akron, OH, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,003/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,202/month to discretionary spending, and $801/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Akron, OH?

Residential electricity rates in Ohio average 19.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $173 per month.