Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Akron, OH
The 431 mi from Elizabeth to Akron translate to about 8h 15m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
431 mi Β· 8h 15m by car Β· OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, NJ 10 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Paterson, Newark, Yonkers, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Akron are 17.1% below Elizabeth 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 17.1% under Elizabeth at $534,667 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 32.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 55.5Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 17.1% between Elizabeth 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 New Jersey 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 431 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Akron, OH from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 431 mi and the route typically takes 8h 15m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 24.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 17.1% lower than Elizabeth (93.37 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 74.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Akron, OH.