Moving from Akron, OH to Springfield, IL
The drive from Akron, OH to Springfield, IL runs 504 mi β about 9h 34m 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.
504 mi Β· 9h 34m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 74, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Akron are close on the overall BEA RPP (93.37 vs 92.745); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.7% higher in Springfield than Akron as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 40.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 52.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.24 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.7% between Akron and Springfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
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 Springfield compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $137,894 in Akron β a 18.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.7% lower than Akron (92.745 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $48,544 in Akron β a 35.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 504 mi and the route typically takes 9h 34m via I 70 and I 74. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 504 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· Springfield, IL.