Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Akron, OH
It is 518 mi between Chesapeake and Akron β roughly 10h 34m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
518 mi Β· 10h 34m by car Β· VA β WV β MD β PA β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β WV β MD β PA β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, I 70, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 32.5" |
Annual temperature drops 10.7Β°F moving to Akron per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.26 |
Akron households earn about 4.7% less than Chesapeake at the median β $94,189 β $48,544 on 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 Virginia 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
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.7Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Akron more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 4.7% lower than Chesapeake (93.37 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Akron, OH from Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 518 mi and the route typically takes 10h 34m via I 76 and I 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chesapeake vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 48.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 518 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 67.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Akron, OH.