Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Akron to Houston
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Houston has higher median income ($64,813 vs $48,076) and higher median gross rent ($1,361 vs $955) than Akron. Houston’s longer commute (30 vs 24 minutes) is offset by its stronger income, while both cities share the same uniform non-housing baseline ($1,250/month) and Texas applies a 0.00% simplified state income tax in the model. Akron’s lower housing costs reduce burden despite lower income, creating a trade-off where Houston offers greater earning potential at higher housing and time costs, while Akron provides affordability with slower income growth. Neither city universally dominates; the optimal choice depends on individual priorities regarding income, housing expense, and commute tolerance.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Houston → AkronMoving from Akron to Houston
Median Rent Impact
+$406/mo
Moving to Houston costs ~$4,872 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
0.0% difference
Neither state imposes an individual state income tax.
Daily Commute Difference
+6 min / day
Difference of ~50 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTAKR → HOU
55/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$7,512after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainMedian owner-occupied home value of $277,800.
Watch closelyA citywide median income of $64,813 paired with a 30-minute derived commute.
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Akron is about $4,872 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Akron household income$48,076
Houston household income$64,813
Akron gross rent$955
Houston gross rent$1,361
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Akron | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 189,247 | 2,328,253 |
| Median household income | $48,076 | $64,813 |
| Median gross rent | $955 | $1,361 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $122,000 | $277,800 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 0% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 24 minutes in Akron and 30 minutes in Houston. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income
- Median gross rent
- One-way commute time
- Modeled state income tax
What each city wins
Akron
Median rent is under $1,000 monthly.. Watch lower housing costs may reflect lower income levels or limited job access..
Houston
Median owner-occupied home value of $277,800.. Watch a citywide median income of $64,813 paired with a 30-minute derived commute..
Frequently asked questions
How do housing costs compare between Akron and Houston relative to income?
Houston’s median gross rent is 42.5% higher than Akron’s, but its median household income is 34.8% higher, meaning rent consumes a larger share of income in Houston despite stronger earnings.
Does commute time significantly affect the livability trade-off between these cities?
Houston’s average commute is 25% longer than Akron’s, adding meaningful time cost; however, its higher income may offset this for some, making commute a secondary factor to income and housing in the trade-off.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.