Moving from Gainesville, FL to Akron, OH
Relocating 930 mi from Gainesville to Akron is a 17h 28m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
930 mi Β· 17h 28m 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, US 21 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Concord, Charlotte, Columbia, Savannah |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gainesville | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.733 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.155 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 92.982 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Gainesville and Akron sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $297,055 in Gainesville to $137,894 in Akron, a 3.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Gainesville -2.6%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gainesville | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 32.5" |
Annual average temperature drops 17.0Β°F β 69.3Β°F in Gainesville vs 52.3Β°F in Akron, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GAINESVILLE RGNL AP, FL US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gainesville | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,611 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $45,611 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 26.5 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.7% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.26 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.5% higher in Akron than Gainesville.
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 (17.0Β°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 Gainesville vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $45,611 in Gainesville β a 6.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Gainesville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 3.5% lower than Gainesville (93.37 vs 96.733, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Gainesville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $297,055 in Gainesville β a 53.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 930 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 Gainesville, FL?
The driving distance is 930 mi and the route typically takes 17h 28m via I 77 and I 95. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Gainesville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $45,490 in the Gainesville MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 141,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gainesville.
City profiles: Gainesville, FL Β· Akron, OH.