Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Akron, OH
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Akron, OH covers 184 mi and about 3h 35m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
184 mi Β· 3h 35m by car Β· OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 23, SR 21 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, Dearborn |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Akron is 7.4% cheaper than Ann Arbor overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Akron is 7.4% below Ann Arbor β $523,391 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 32.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2Β°F) and Akron (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Akron is 7.4% below Ann Arbor ($81,089 vs $48,544, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Akron MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 39,390 | $41,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 35,340 | $38,160 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 28,050 | $35,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,940 | $28,550 |
| Production Occupations | 25,300 | $41,600 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Akron, OH from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 184 mi and the route typically takes 3h 35m via I 80 and US 23. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Akron more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 7.4% lower than Ann Arbor (93.37 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 73.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 184 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 40.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Akron, OH.