City Comparison
Casper vs Akron
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Casper scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Casper
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Casper is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Akron.
| Metric | Casper | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,198 | $1,123 | +7% |
| Groceries | $450 | $742 | -39% |
| Utilities | $257 | $234 | +10% |
| Transport | $120 | $357 | -66% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $130 | +92% |
| Monthly Total | $2,275 | $2,586 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 23% 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 Casper is estimated at
$54,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Casper | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,133 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $54,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,370 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $72,156 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Casper runs warmer on average — a 49.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Casper comes out ahead with 292 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Casper sees 29.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Casper | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 49.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 13.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 29.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 292 | |
| Humidity | % | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Casper has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Akron.
Casper scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Casper leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Casper | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 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
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Casper.
From a growth perspective, Casper is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Casper has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Casper | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,997 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.10% | — |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Casper
Advantages
No state income tax, saving residents a significant portion of their earnings.
Affordable housing market with median home prices and rental rates well below national averages.
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, and skiing, with natural beauty readily accessible.
Short commute times and minimal traffic congestion, averaging around 13-20 minutes.
A strong sense of community and a grounded lifestyle, appealing to those seeking a less hectic pace.
Drawbacks
Relentless wind is a constant factor, particularly noticeable in spring.
Winters can be harsh and cold, with potential for significant snowfall.
Smaller job market and fewer amenities compared to major metropolitan areas.
Geographic distance from major cities can lead to longer travel times for certain services or attractions.
Limited selection for shopping and dining options compared to larger urban centers.
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.
Casper
#236Wyoming, USA
62.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,198
Avg Salary
$56,133
Cost Index
90
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
292/yr
Avg Temp
49.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.10%
Unemployment
2.50%
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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