Question 1

Is Akron or St. Louis cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

St. Louis, MO is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $158/month less than in Akron, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,268/mo in Akron versus $1,218/mo in St. Louis.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Akron vs St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $66,500/year before tax in Akron, OH and $63,000/year in St. Louis, MO — a difference of about $3,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Akron or St. Louis cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

St. Louis, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,975/month in Akron and $8,482/month in St. Louis, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Akron or St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. St. Louis costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Akron61	St. Louis63
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,643	$3,485
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,975	$8,482
Salary for comfort	$66,500/yr	$63,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,268	$1,218
Median home value	$111,200	$185,100
Median household income	$48,544	$55,279
Unemployment	4.2%	4.1%
Housing score	69	71
Jobs score	68	72
Safety score	20	6
Climate score	71	97
Amenities score	35	40
Population	189.5K	293.1K
Summer high / winter low	83° / 20°	88° / 23°

Akron, OH vs St. Louis, MO