Performance
Score Breakdown
Keene
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Keene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% lower compared to Akron.
Housing costs are a major driver: Keene's average rent is
38% higher than Akron's.
| Metric | Keene | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $1,123 | +38% |
| Groceries | $400 | $742 | -46% |
| Utilities | $200 | $234 | -15% |
| Transport | $50 | $357 | -86% |
| Healthcare | $95 | $130 | -27% |
| Monthly Total | $2,295 | $2,586 | -11% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 12% 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 Keene is estimated at
$65,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Keene | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,960 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,067 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $78,445 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Keene | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Keene scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Akron leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Keene | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 47.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Keene.
From a growth perspective, Keene is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Keene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Keene | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,036 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.07% | % |
| Median Age | 37.6 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Keene
Advantages
Strong community feel and access to nature, including proximity to Mount Monadnock.
Lower cost of living compared to the national average and major New England cities.
Low violent crime rates, contributing to a high sense of safety and security.
Well-preserved historic downtown with a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Access to higher education institutions like Keene State College and Antioch University New England.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is moderate to high, with limited public transportation options.
Job market growth may be moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Winters can be harsh with significant snowfall.
Median household income is below the national average.
Some residents note challenges with property crime and addiction issues.
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.
Keene
#25New Hampshire, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$63,960
Cost Index
90
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
47.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
75
Business
65
Akron
#117Ohio, 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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