74
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
69
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Akron wins 2–2 overall (74/100)
💰 Akron is more affordable
💼 Columbus has lower unemployment
🛡️ Akron has fewer disasters
📋 Akron vs Columbus — The Verdict
It's a close call — Akron (74.2/100) and Columbus (69.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Akron has a clear edge with home prices 53% lower. Akron may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Akron are 53% lower — a difference of $112,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Akron saves you $274/month — that's $3,288 per year.
💵
Households in Columbus earn $16,398 more per year (35% higher median income).
🌬️
Akron has cleaner air with an AQI 60 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$99,700
$212,500
Median Rent /mo
$887
$1,161
Median Income
$46,596
$62,994
The affordability gap is significant — Akron offers home prices 53% lower than Columbus, translating to $112,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
4.5%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
9 Good
69 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Akron wins on air quality with an AQI 60 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Akron to Columbus: Common Questions
Is Akron or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Akron is more affordable overall. Home prices are $112,800 lower in Akron. Monthly rent is $887 in Akron vs $1,161 in Columbus.
Does Akron or Columbus have better weather?
Columbus scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Akron or Columbus better for finding a job?
Columbus currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.5% in Akron vs 4.5% in Columbus. Median household income is $46,596 in Akron and $62,994 in Columbus.
Which city is safer — Akron or Columbus?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Akron is safer. Akron has had 4 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Columbus. Akron scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Columbus.
Should I move from Akron to Columbus?
Based on our data, Akron scores 74.2/100 vs Columbus's 69.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Akron is more affordable, while Columbus has a better climate.
Planning to move from Akron to Columbus?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.