Performance
Score Breakdown
Akron
Miami
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Akron is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
33% lower compared to Miami.
Housing costs are a major driver: Akron's average rent is
50% lower than Miami's.
| Metric | Akron | Miami | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,123 | $2,247 | -50% |
| Groceries | $742 | $765 | -3% |
| Utilities | $234 | $378 | -38% |
| Transport | $357 | $368 | -3% |
| Healthcare | $130 | $128 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,586 | $3,886 | -33% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 120 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 20% higher 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 Akron is estimated at
$66,000 vs $87,156 in Miami.
| Metric | Akron | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $73,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $66,000 | $87,156 |
| Purchasing Power | 85,882 idx | 50,750 idx |
| Household Income | $48,076 | $62,462 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Akron | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 68.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Akron has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Miami.
Miami scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Miami leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Akron | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 48.0/10 | 77.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Akron.
From a growth perspective, Miami is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Miami has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Akron | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,664 | 489,812 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 2.07% |
| Median Age | 36.9 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 2.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Miami
Advantages
Miami was ranked the second-most walkable city in the U.S. in 2025, with a walkability score of 77 out of 100.
The city boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in technology, healthcare, and international trade.
Florida has no state income tax, which can be a significant financial advantage for residents and businesses.
Miami offers a vibrant cultural scene, influenced by its rich Latin American heritage, with diverse dining, music, and entertainment options.
The presence of highly-ranked hospitals like Baptist Health Baptist Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital ensures access to quality healthcare.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Miami is significantly higher than the national average, with housing expenses being 57% more expensive.
Average rent in Miami is 35% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive rental markets in the U.S..
While improving, traffic congestion can be a challenge, and car dependency remains a factor for many residents outside highly walkable areas.
The median household income in Miami ($62,462 in 2024) is lower than the national average, potentially impacting affordability for some residents.
Summers in Miami are hot and humid, with a high likelihood of rainfall and tropical weather events.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Akron
#92Ohio, 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
Miami
#5Florida, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,247
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
120
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
77.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.07%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
80
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