Moving from Akron, OH to Brockton, MA
The drive from Akron, OH to Brockton, MA runs 654 mi β about 12h 37m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
654 mi Β· 12h 37m by car Β· OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Brockton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.37 in Akron to 108.266 in Brockton, a 16.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Brockton: 16.0% above Akron on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Brockton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 34.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 50.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 34.3 in of snowfall annually at Brockton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, BROCKTON, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 105,080 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $77,089 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 14.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.95 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 16.0% between Akron and Brockton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Brockton averages 34.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Brockton averages 50.2 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Brockton, MA from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 654 mi and the route typically takes 12h 37m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Brockton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,089 in Brockton vs $48,544 in Akron β a 58.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Brockton compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $503,833 in Brockton vs $137,894 in Akron β a 265.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Brockton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 654 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Brockton more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brockton is 16.0% higher than Akron (108.266 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Brockton, MA.