Salary Needed to Live in Akron as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $105,010/year to live comfortably in Akron, OH, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $105,010/year to live comfortably in Akron, OH. The bare-minimum salary is $83,724/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,306.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,163/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $8,751/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$105,010
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$83,724
$6,977/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,163
27% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Akron
| Expense | Akron | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,258 | $2,509 | -50% |
| Groceries | $706 | $528 | +34% |
| Utilities | $242 | $337 | -28% |
| Transportation | $415 | $526 | -21% |
| Car Insurance | $162 | $211 | -23% |
| Health Insurance | $423 | $630 | -33% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,008 | $1,200 | -16% |
| Internet + Phones | $151 | $180 | -16% |
| Children Activities | $210 | $250 | -16% |
| Dining Out | $294 | $350 | -16% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $168 | $200 | -16% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $126 | $150 | -16% |
| Total Monthly | $5,163 | $7,071 | -27% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,163
Target savings (15%):$1,143/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,306
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$105,010
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,258
3BR Apartment/House rent is 24% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus OH state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,143/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 3br apartment/house housing near $1,258/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $1,957/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $83,724/year as the survival floor and $105,010/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Akron
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Akron?
A family with kids needs approximately $105,010/year ($8,751/month gross) to live comfortably in Akron with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Akron?
A 3br apartment/house in Akron costs approximately $1,258/month, which is the largest single expense at 24% of the total budget.
Is Akron affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Akron is 27% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.