Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Vancouver is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
3% lower compared to Akron.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vancouver's average rent is
63% higher than Akron's.
| Metric | Vancouver | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,830 | $1,123 | +63% |
| Groceries | $352 | $742 | -53% |
| Utilities | $113 | $234 | -52% |
| Transport | $96 | $357 | -73% |
| Healthcare | $105 | $130 | -19% |
| Monthly Total | $2,496 | $2,586 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 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 Vancouver is estimated at
$79,500 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Vancouver | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,896 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $79,500 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 46,206 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $57,728 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Vancouver | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Akron has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Vancouver.
Vancouver scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Vancouver leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Vancouver | 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
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 3.5x the population of Akron.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver 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 | Vancouver | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 662,248 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.10% | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.70% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $158.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vancouver
Advantages
Vancouver boasts a high quality of life, consistently ranking among the most livable cities globally due to its natural beauty and urban amenities.
The city has a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in technology, film, and tourism, offering various job opportunities.
Vancouver offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities, including access to mountains, beaches, and parks for hiking, skiing, and water sports.
The public transportation system is comprehensive and efficient, making it possible to navigate the city without a car.
The city is highly walkable and bike-friendly, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Vancouver is exceptionally high, particularly for housing, making it one of the least affordable cities.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is around $2,399 CAD per month as of July 2026.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours, despite good public transit options.
The median household income in Vancouver, at $82,000 CAD, may not fully offset the high cost of living for all residents.
While the job market is growing, the cost of commercial rent and high labor costs contribute to expensive dining out experiences.
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.
Vancouver
#13British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,830
Avg Salary
$43,896
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.10%
Unemployment
6.70%
Livability
74
Business
68
Akron
#98Ohio, 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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