Moving from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Relocating between Akron, OH and Chicago, IL is a 366 mi drive β 6h 51m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
366 mi Β· 6h 51m by car Β· IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 77 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.0% above Akron β 93.37 β 103.595 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.0% β $48,544 β $75,134 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $137,894 in Akron β a 130.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 11.0% higher than Akron (103.595 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $48,544 in Akron β a 54.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chicago, IL from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 366 mi and the route typically takes 6h 51m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 366 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· Chicago, IL.