Salary Needed to Live in Akron as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $60,794/year to live comfortably in Akron, OH, including 12% savings.
Direct Answer
A couple (no kids) needs about $60,794/year to live comfortably in Akron, OH. The bare-minimum salary is $50,935/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 12% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,652.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,141/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $5,066/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$60,794
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$50,935
$4,245/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,141
29% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Akron
| Expense | Akron | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $823 | $1,641 | -50% |
| Groceries | $428 | $320 | +34% |
| Utilities | $162 | $225 | -28% |
| Transportation | $332 | $421 | -21% |
| Car Insurance | $162 | $211 | -23% |
| Health Insurance | $423 | $630 | -33% |
| Internet | $55 | $65 | -15% |
| Phone (x2) | $118 | $140 | -16% |
| Dining & Social | $378 | $450 | -16% |
| Entertainment | $151 | $180 | -16% |
| Personal Care (x2) | $109 | $130 | -16% |
| Total Monthly | $3,141 | $4,413 | -29% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,141
Target savings (12%):$511/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,652
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$60,794
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$823
1-2BR Apartment rent is 26% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus OH state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
12%
$511/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
84/100
Akron is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 1-2br apartment housing near $823/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $811/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone (x2).
- Use $50,935/year as the survival floor and $60,794/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Akron
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Akron?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $60,794/year ($5,066/month gross) to live comfortably in Akron with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Akron?
A 1-2br apartment in Akron costs approximately $823/month, which is the largest single expense at 26% of the total budget.
Is Akron affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Yes, Akron is 29% more affordable than the national average for a couple (no kids).