Moving from Akron, OH to Houston, TX
A move from Akron, OH to Houston, TX covers 1283 mi and around 23h 40m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1283 mi Β· 23h 40m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 71, US 59 |
| Major cities en route | Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, Pasadena, Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Houston is 5.6% higher than Akron, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Houston is 5.6% above Akron β $137,894 vs $264,336 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 54.1" |
Houston runs 18.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (52.3Β°F vs 70.6Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Houston gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.51 |
Median household income in Houston is 5.6% above Akron ($48,544 vs $62,894, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Houston average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Houston averages 54.1 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $137,894 in Akron β a 91.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $48,544 in Akron β a 29.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Houston, TX from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 1283 mi and the route typically takes 23h 40m via I 40 and I 71. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1283 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Houston more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Houston is 5.6% higher than Akron (98.629 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Houston compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Houston MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Houston, TX.