Performance
Score Breakdown
Merthyr Tydfil
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Merthyr Tydfil is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
28% lower compared to Akron.
Housing costs are a major driver: Merthyr Tydfil's average rent is
33% lower than Akron's.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $755 | $1,123 | -33% |
| Groceries | $400 | $742 | -46% |
| Utilities | $338 | $234 | +44% |
| Transport | $120 | $357 | -66% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $130 | +92% |
| Monthly Total | $1,863 | $2,586 | -28% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 62% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Akron delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Merthyr Tydfil is estimated at
$25,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $27,399 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $25,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,443 idx | 85,882 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 86.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Akron has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Merthyr Tydfil.
Merthyr Tydfil scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Merthyr Tydfil leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Merthyr Tydfil.
From a growth perspective, Merthyr Tydfil is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Merthyr Tydfil has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,972 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.07% | % |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Merthyr Tydfil
Advantages
Merthyr Tydfil offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the UK average, particularly in housing.
The town is situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, providing excellent access to outdoor recreational activities.
Merthyr Tydfil has a rich industrial heritage, offering a unique historical and cultural landscape.
The housing market is considered affordable for both renters and buyers, with competitive property prices and rents.
The tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, contributing to the local economy and job creation.
Drawbacks
Merthyr Tydfil has a higher crime rate than the UK national average, with specific areas experiencing higher incident levels.
Life expectancy in Merthyr Tydfil is lower than the Welsh average, and the region experiences high rates of mental illness and poor well-being.
A significant portion of the population has no formal qualifications, which can affect employment prospects and income levels.
The town faces challenges with deprivation in some areas, and has a higher proportion of older housing stock.
Public transport options are less extensive compared to larger urban centers, indicating a higher reliance on private vehicles.
Akron
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Akron is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with average monthly rent at $1,123 and median home prices around $153,000.
Akron has a diverse economy with strong industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and the polymer sector.
The city offers a public transportation system (METRO RTA) with affordable monthly passes at $50.
Healthcare costs in Akron are approximately 14% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Akron has a high crime rate, with an overall crime rate 50% above the national average and a safety grade of C-.
The city is experiencing a projected population decline of -0.9% annually.
Akron has a negative job growth rate, with a 0.461% decline in employed population in 2024.
The lifestyle in Akron is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle and an average Walk Score of 48.
The median household income of $48,076 in 2024 is below the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Merthyr Tydfil
#1Wales, UK
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$755
Avg Salary
$27,399
Cost Index
90
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
68
Business
60
Akron
#124Ohio, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
48.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
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