Salary Needed to Live in Akron as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $45,975/year to live comfortably in Akron, OH, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $45,975/year to live comfortably in Akron, OH. The bare-minimum salary is $39,762/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,767.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,452/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,831/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$45,975
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$39,762
$3,314/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,452
31% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Akron
| Expense | Akron | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $678 | $1,351 | -50% |
| Groceries | $277 | $207 | +34% |
| Utilities | $121 | $169 | -28% |
| Transportation | $249 | $316 | -21% |
| Car Insurance | $162 | $211 | -23% |
| Health Insurance | $423 | $630 | -33% |
| Internet | $55 | $65 | -15% |
| Phone | $71 | $85 | -16% |
| Dining & Social | $252 | $300 | -16% |
| Entertainment | $101 | $120 | -16% |
| Personal Care | $63 | $75 | -16% |
| Total Monthly | $2,452 | $3,529 | -31% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,452
Target savings (10%):$315/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,767
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$45,975
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$678
Studio/1BR rent is 28% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus OH state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$315/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 studio/1br housing near $678/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $542/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $39,762/year as the survival floor and $45,975/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Akron
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Akron?
A single person needs approximately $45,975/year ($3,831/month gross) to live comfortably in Akron with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Akron?
A studio/1br in Akron costs approximately $678/month, which is the largest single expense at 28% of the total budget.
Is Akron affordable for a single person?
Yes, Akron is 31% more affordable than the national average for a single person.