City Comparison
Shah Alam vs Akron
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shah Alam scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Shah Alam
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Shah Alam is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
2% lower than in Akron.
Housing costs are a major driver: Shah Alam's average rent is
46% higher than Akron's.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,638 | $1,123 | +46% |
| Groceries | $450 | $742 | -39% |
| Utilities | $180 | $234 | -23% |
| Transport | $120 | $357 | -66% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $130 | +15% |
| Monthly Total | $2,538 | $2,586 | -2% |
| Cost Index | 100 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 40% 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 Shah Alam is estimated at
$55,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,000 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 44,000 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Shah Alam runs warmer on average — a 82.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Shah Alam comes out ahead with 103 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Shah Alam sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 82.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 74.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 121.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 103 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Akron has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Shah Alam.
Shah Alam scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Shah Alam leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Shah Alam is the larger city
— approximately 2.3x the population of Akron.
From a growth perspective, Shah Alam is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Akron has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 438,745 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | — |
| Median Age | 31.5 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $104.6B | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Shah Alam
Advantages
Shah Alam is a well-planned city with organized townships, wider roads, and good infrastructure, contributing to a higher quality of life.
The city is known for its green spaces and recreational areas, earning it the nickname "Garden City of Malaysia".
Shah Alam has a strong industrial and manufacturing base, particularly in the automotive sector, offering diverse job opportunities.
Its strategic location within the Klang Valley and proximity to Port Klang enhance its economic and logistical advantages.
The city offers a good balance between urban amenities and a pleasant living environment, attracting young families and professionals.
Drawbacks
Shah Alam recorded the highest cost of living among Malaysian state capitals in 2024, surpassing Kuala Lumpur.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours in certain areas.
Public transportation options are still developing, and car dependency remains relatively high.
Some sources suggest that Shah Alam may not be as diverse as other Malaysian cities.
While generally safe, like any urban area, it requires residents to remain aware of their surroundings.
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.
Shah Alam
#77Selangor, Malaysia
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,638
Avg Salary
$44,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
103/yr
Avg Temp
82.30°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Akron
#575Ohio, USA
46.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
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