Akron vs Providence: Cost of Living (2026)

A side-by-side comparison of Akron, OH and Providence, RI, using US Census Bureau data.

MetricAkron, OHProvidence, RI
Population190,273189,715
Median household income$46,596$61,365
Median home value$99,700$293,000
Median rent (/mo)$887$1,214

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Highlighted cell = more affordable / higher income.

Comparing Akron, OH and Providence, RI comes down to what you value most. Akron has the lower median home value, and Akron has the lower median rent.

Providence has the higher median household income, which affects how far a paycheck stretches against local housing costs. The table below breaks down the key numbers side by side, all sourced from the US Census Bureau.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to live in Akron or Providence?
By median home value, Akron is the cheaper of the two ($99,700 vs $293,000). Rent and income differ too — see the full comparison above.
Which has higher salaries, Akron or Providence?
Median household income is $46,596 in Akron versus $61,365 in Providence, per the US Census Bureau.

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