Moving from Durham, NC to Akron, OH
The drive from Durham, NC to Akron, OH runs 503 mi β about 9h 32m 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.
503 mi Β· 9h 32m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, US 52, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Akron and Durham are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.572 vs 93.37); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Akron typical home at $137,894 is 4.3% under Durham at $396,395 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 32.5" |
Climate cools by 6.1Β°F on the annual average β 58.4Β°F β 52.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.3% between Durham 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 North Carolina 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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Durham vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $79,234 in Durham β a 38.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $396,395 in Durham β a 65.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 503 mi and the route typically takes 9h 32m via I 77 and US 52. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 503 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Akron more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 4.3% lower than Durham (93.37 vs 97.572, 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 Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Akron, OH.