Moving from Joliet, IL to Akron, OH
The 376 mi from Joliet to Akron translate to about 7h 11m 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.
376 mi Β· 7h 11m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, SR 21 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Akron are 9.9% below Joliet 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 9.9% under Joliet at $259,875 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 32.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.4Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.9% between Joliet 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 Illinois 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.
Frequently asked
Is Akron more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 9.9% lower than Joliet (93.37 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 376 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 Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 46.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 376 mi and the route typically takes 7h 11m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 44.9% 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 Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Akron, OH.