Moving from Akron, OH to Independence, MO
The drive from Akron, OH to Independence, MO runs 770 mi β about 14h 35m 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.
770 mi Β· 14h 35m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 71, I 270 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Akron (93.37) and Independence (92.543) 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 Independence: 0.9% above Akron on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.39 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.9% between Akron and Independence (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Independence compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 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 Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $48,544 in Akron β a 22.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 770 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $137,894 in Akron β a 51.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Independence more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 0.9% lower than Akron (92.543 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 770 mi and the route typically takes 14h 35m via I 70 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Independence, MO.