Moving from Cambridge, MA to Akron, OH
The drive from Cambridge, MA to Akron, OH runs 637 mi β about 12h 15m 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.
637 mi Β· 12h 15m by car Β· OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Akron are 13.8% below Cambridge β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Akron typical home at $137,894 is 13.8% under Cambridge at $1,041,569 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 32.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.2Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 13.8% between Cambridge and Akron (ACS 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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 637 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 Akron compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 86.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Akron more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 13.8% lower than Cambridge (93.37 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 61.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Akron, OH from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 637 mi and the route typically takes 12h 15m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 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 Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Akron, OH.