Moving from Akron, OH to South Bend, IN
The 275 mi from Akron to South Bend translate to about 5h 12m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
275 mi Β· 5h 12m by car Β· OH β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, SR 21 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | South Bend | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 92.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 87.733 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 74.586 | 100.0 |
South Bend and Akron are close on the overall BEA RPP (93.37 vs 92.858); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: South Bend typical home at $192,340 is 0.5% above Akron at $137,894 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, South Bend +4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 40.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 49.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, S BEND, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 102,866 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $52,512 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 33.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.5 |
Income steps up 0.5%: $48,544 in Akron vs $52,512 in South Bend.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Bend MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,450 | $40,720 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,860 | $28,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,250 | $38,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,870 | $34,500 |
| Production Occupations | 11,260 | $39,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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 does household income compare in Akron vs South Bend?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,512 in South Bend vs $48,544 in Akron β a 8.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Akron to South Bend?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 275 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is South Bend more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Bend is 0.5% lower than Akron (92.858 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in South Bend compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $192,340 in South Bend vs $137,894 in Akron β a 39.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is South Bend, IN from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 275 mi and the route typically takes 5h 12m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in South Bend compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,420 in the South Bend MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 129,890 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· South Bend, IN.