Data updated Nov 13, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 72)
Healthcare and education drive the modern economy, with Akron Children's Hospital, Summa Health, and the University of Akron employing thousands in stable, recession-resistant jobs. Goodyear's global headquarters anchors what remains of the rubber legacy, while polymer science research creates niche opportunities for engineers and scientists. Manufacturing still exists but at a fraction of its former scale — this isn't the booming industrial city of decades past, though medical professionals and academics can build solid careers here.
Rent averages $1,000 monthly for a city center one-bedroom, with suburban options dropping to $600-800. The Summit Area Regional Transit system covers basics but you'll want a car for real mobility, especially reaching Cleveland 40 miles north. Healthcare access is excellent given the hospital concentration. English dominates completely. Bureaucracy is standard American municipal — nothing exotic, but property taxes can surprise newcomers at around 2.1% effective rate.
Winters hit hard with lake-effect snow and 30°F averages, while summers stay comfortable around 72°F. The food scene leans heavily Midwestern comfort with emerging craft breweries downtown. Stan Hywet Hall offers decent cultural programming, though nightlife options thin out quickly. The expat community is minimal — this is overwhelmingly American-born residents. Akron works for healthcare professionals, university staff, and anyone prioritizing low costs over urban excitement.
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Akron, OH at the budget tier comes to about $1,569 a month for one adult, with $851 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $193 on groceries, $68.00 on dining out, $43.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $364 on utilities and connectivity and $50.00 on transport.
Rent
$851/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$193/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$68.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$43.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$364/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$50.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Akron, OH at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,809 a month for one adult, with $851 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $257 on groceries, $170 on dining out, $117 on entertainment and lifestyle, $364 on utilities and connectivity and $50.00 on transport.
Rent
$851/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$257/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$170/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$117/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$364/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$50.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Akron, OH at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,222 a month for one adult, with $949 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $360 on groceries, $327 on dining out, $172 on entertainment and lifestyle, $364 on utilities and connectivity and $50.00 on transport.
Rent
$949/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$360/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$327/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$172/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$364/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$50.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $949/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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Akron feels like a typical mid-sized Rust Belt city—moderately safe during daylight hours with reasonable walkability in downtown and residential neighborhoods. Nighttime solo walking is generally okay in well-lit areas, though caution is warranted in isolated spots. The city's reputation for crime is worse than current reality; it's neither dangerous nor pristine, landing solidly in the middle for American industrial towns.
Property crime (car theft, burglary) exceeds violent crime here. Petty theft and package theft occur, particularly in less-maintained neighborhoods. Avoid isolated areas after dark and secure vehicles carefully. Downtown and south Akron have higher incident rates; north and west neighborhoods are quieter. Solo female travelers face typical urban precautions rather than specific gender-based threats, though standard awareness applies.
Akron has no significant geopolitical risks or political instability. Police response is reliable and corruption is not a concern. The city is politically stable with normal American civic infrastructure. For Americans considering relocation, Akron presents a straightforward safety profile: manageable crime, predictable risks, and no hidden dangers. It's a reasonable choice for remote workers or retirees seeking affordable Midwest living without major safety compromises.
Akron, OH has a safety index of 40.15/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
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See how Akron, OH's healthcare compares with Ninilchik, AK
Akron has a humid continental climate with warm, muggy summers (June-August) and cold, snowy winters (December-February), with moderate spring and fall transitions.
Indices last read Nov 13, 2026.
Akron provides a balanced urban experience with affordable living.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bounce Innovation Hub | Located in downtown Akron, Bounce Innovation Hub offers coworking spaces, private offices, and meeting rooms. It's a hub for startups and entrepreneurs, providing a collaborative environment with access to resources and events, making it ideal for digital nomads seeking networking opportunities. |
| Akron Coffee Roasters | While not strictly a coworking space, Akron Coffee Roasters offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for remote workers. With excellent coffee, reliable Wi-Fi, and a central location in downtown Akron, it's a great option for those seeking a more casual workspace. |
| Regus - Akron | Regus offers flexible coworking and office spaces in Akron. Located in a professional building, it provides a more formal and structured environment with various amenities, suitable for remote workers who need a reliable and professional workspace. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
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See how Akron, OH's digital nomad life compares with Ninilchik, AK
Akron is a post-industrial city in northeastern Ohio, home to the University of Akron and LeBron James's hometown. It has a growing tech and biomedical sector and a significant international student community. The city is reinventing itself with arts and innovation.
Areas of Akron, OH that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Eclectic, artsy, independent businesses
Highland Square is known for its vibrant arts scene, independent shops, and diverse restaurants. It's popular with young professionals and artists. Walkable and bike-friendly, but parking can be challenging. Offers a strong sense of community.
Revitalizing, urban, entertainment district
Downtown Akron is undergoing a revitalization, with new apartments, restaurants, and entertainment venues opening. It's walkable and has good public transportation options. While improving, some areas can feel deserted at night. Offers access to cultural attractions and events.
Residential, family-friendly, affordable
Goodyear Heights is a more suburban, residential area with a mix of housing options. It's quieter and more affordable than downtown or Highland Square. Car-dependent, but offers parks and green spaces. May require some effort to integrate without local connections.
Historic, diverse, up-and-coming
West Hill features a mix of historic homes and newer developments. It's a diverse neighborhood with a growing arts and culture scene. Walkability varies, but it's close to downtown and Highland Square. Some areas are still undergoing revitalization.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $949/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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