Performance
Score Breakdown
Portland
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Portland is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% lower compared to Akron.
Housing costs are a major driver: Portland's average rent is
86% higher than Akron's.
| Metric | Portland | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,088 | $1,123 | +86% |
| Groceries | $0 | $742 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $234 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $357 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $130 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,088 | $2,586 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 114 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Portland | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $66,000 |
| Household Income | $79,540 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Portland runs warmer on average — a 47.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Portland comes out ahead with 254 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Portland sees 43.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Portland | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 47.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 43.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 254 | |
| Humidity | 71.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Portland has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Akron.
Portland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Portland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Portland | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 62.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Portland.
From a growth perspective, Portland is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Portland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Portland | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,854 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.51% | % |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Portland
Advantages
High walkability, especially in the peninsula neighborhoods, allowing for car-free living in many areas.
A thriving and diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare, technology, and professional services, offering ample job opportunities.
Nationally recognized culinary scene and a vibrant craft beer culture, making it a destination for food enthusiasts.
Access to coastal beauty and outdoor recreation, including beaches, islands, and scenic waterfronts.
A rich history and well-preserved architecture, particularly in the Old Port district, contributing to a unique urban charm.
Drawbacks
The cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant expense.
Crime rates, particularly property crime, are a concern and can be higher than national averages in some metrics.
Public transit options, while present, may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to medium car dependency.
Winter weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, impacting outdoor activities.
Limited availability of affordable housing options due to high demand and property values.
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.
Portland
#28Maine, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,088
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
62.0/10
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.51%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
75
Business
70
Akron
#128Ohio, 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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