Performance
Score Breakdown
Moncton
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Moncton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
48% lower compared to Akron.
Housing costs are a major driver: Moncton's average rent is
26% lower than Akron's.
| Metric | Moncton | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $829 | $1,123 | -26% |
| Groceries | $258 | $742 | -65% |
| Utilities | $207 | $234 | -12% |
| Transport | $52 | $357 | -85% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $130 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,346 | $2,586 | -48% |
| Cost Index | 63 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 55% 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 Moncton is estimated at
$37,259 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Moncton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $32,764 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $37,259 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,006 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $48,280 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Moncton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Moncton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Akron.
Moncton 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 | Moncton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 35.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Moncton.
From a growth perspective, Moncton 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 | Moncton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,378 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.70% | % |
| Median Age | 40.8 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 9.10% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Moncton
Advantages
Moncton boasts an affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities.
The city has a strong and growing economy with diverse job opportunities.
Moncton is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong community ties.
Its central location in the Maritimes makes it a strategic hub for transportation and business.
The average commute time in Moncton is relatively short, at 14.7 minutes.
Drawbacks
Access to a family doctor can be challenging, reflecting a broader issue in New Brunswick.
The city experiences harsh winters with significant snow and cold temperatures.
Public transportation options are considered limited compared to larger cities, leading to higher car dependency.
Rapid population growth has led to housing supply strain and an affordability crisis, with rising rents and home prices.
Moncton has seen increases in its crime rate and violent crime severity index in recent years.
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.
Moncton
#6New Brunswick, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$829
Avg Salary
$32,764
Cost Index
63
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
35.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.70%
Unemployment
9.10%
Livability
79
Business
80
Akron
#106Ohio, 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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