Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, OH
Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, OH covers 321 mi and about 5h 56m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
321 mi Β· 5h 56m by car Β· MI β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 96, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Lansing, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Toledo, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Grand Rapids | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.775 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.596 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Grand Rapids (95.546) and Akron (93.37) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Akron: 2.3% below Grand Rapids on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Grand Rapids +2.9%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Grand Rapids | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 74.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.6" | 32.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E GRAND RAPIDS, MI US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Grand Rapids | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,768 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $65,526 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 32.1 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.3% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Akron is 2.3% below Grand Rapids ($65,526 vs $48,544, ACS 5-year 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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Akron, OH from Grand Rapids, MI?
The driving distance is 321 mi and the route typically takes 5h 56m via I 80 and I 96. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 321 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 Grand Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $46,290 in the Grand Rapids MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 536,790 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Grand Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $303,298 in Grand Rapids β a 54.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Akron more expensive than Grand Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 2.3% lower than Grand Rapids (93.37 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Grand Rapids vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $65,526 in Grand Rapids β a 25.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Grand Rapids.
City profiles: Grand Rapids, MI Β· Akron, OH.