Moving from Clearwater, FL to Akron, OH
The drive from Clearwater, FL to Akron, OH runs 1077 mi β about 20h 22m 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.
1077 mi Β· 20h 22m by car Β· OH β WV β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, I 95, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Concord, Charlotte, Columbia, Savannah |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Akron is 7.5% cheaper than Clearwater 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 7.5% below Clearwater β $339,488 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 32.5" |
Akron runs 21.6Β°F colder on the annual average (73.9Β°F vs 52.3Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.5% between Clearwater 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 Florida 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-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in 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 (21.6Β°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
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 24.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1077 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 Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 59.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 1077 mi and the route typically takes 20h 22m via I 77 and I 95. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Akron more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 7.5% lower than Clearwater (93.37 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Akron, OH.