Performance
Score Breakdown
Windsor
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Windsor is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
33% lower compared to Akron.
| Metric | Windsor | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,075 | $1,123 | -4% |
| Groceries | $313 | $742 | -58% |
| Utilities | $176 | $234 | -25% |
| Transport | $63 | $357 | -82% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $130 | -23% |
| Monthly Total | $1,727 | $2,586 | -33% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 36% 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 Windsor is estimated at
$42,600 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Windsor | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,605 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,600 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 49,058 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $50,190 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Windsor | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Windsor has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
11,000 minutes (183 hours) per year compared to Akron.
Windsor 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 | Windsor | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 42.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Windsor is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Akron.
From a growth perspective, Windsor 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 | Windsor | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,660 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.20% | % |
| Median Age | 41.4 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 7.60% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Windsor
Advantages
Median rent of $1,074.78 USD (August 2026) is more affordable than many other major Canadian cities.
Windsor's economy added 6,000 jobs in July 2026, indicating positive employment growth.
Windsor Regional Hospital holds "Accreditation with Exemplary Standing," the highest possible rating for quality patient care [cite: 21, 22 in previous turn].
Overall crime rates in Windsor decreased by 15% in July 2026 compared to the previous year [cite: 28 in previous turn].
Significant investment in the electric vehicle (EV) battery plant and automotive sector is driving economic development [cite: 34 in previous turn, 44 in previous turn].
Drawbacks
The unemployment rate in Windsor was 7.6% in July 2026, which is higher than the national and provincial averages.
Windsor's economy is highly concentrated in the automotive industry, making it vulnerable to trade conflicts and tariffs [cite: 42 in previous turn, 44 in previous turn].
Public perception of crime in Windsor is higher than statistical data suggests, potentially impacting residents' sense of safety [cite: 42 in previous turn].
The labor force participation rate in Windsor has been declining, contrasting with growing rates in Ontario and Canada.
Forecasted economic growth for Windsor in 2026 is slower (0.6%) due to tariffs and uncertainties [cite: 44 in previous turn].
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.
Windsor
#13Ontario, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,075
Avg Salary
$46,605
Cost Index
95
Commute
min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
42.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.20%
Unemployment
7.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
Akron
#102Ohio, 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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