Moving from Akron, OH to Buffalo, NY
Moving from Akron, OH to Buffalo, NY covers 214 mi and about 4h 18m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
214 mi Β· 4h 18m by car Β· NY β PA β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β PA β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, SR 8, I 271 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Buffalo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 95.844 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 129.489 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 80.989 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Akron (93.37) and Buffalo (95.844) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Buffalo: 2.6% above Akron on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Buffalo +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 95.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 40.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 95.4 in of snowfall annually at Buffalo.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, BUFFALO, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 276,397 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $48,050 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.31 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Buffalo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 71,050 | $45,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 46,930 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 45,050 | $36,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 38,950 | $82,350 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 38,910 | $40,300 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Buffalo averages 95.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Buffalo more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Buffalo is 2.6% higher than Akron (95.844 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Buffalo, NY from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 214 mi and the route typically takes 4h 18m via I 90 and SR 8. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Buffalo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,050 in Buffalo vs $48,544 in Akron β a 1.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Buffalo compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,560 in the Buffalo MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 526,990 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Buffalo compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $238,089 in Buffalo vs $137,894 in Akron β a 72.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Buffalo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 214 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Buffalo, NY.