Moving from Knoxville, TN to Akron, OH
The 485 mi from Knoxville to Akron translate to about 9h 10m 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.
485 mi Β· 9h 10m by car Β· TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 71, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Knoxville (92.569) 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: 0.9% below Knoxville on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 32.5" |
Climate cools by 5.6Β°F on the annual average β 57.9Β°F β 52.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.26 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Tennessee 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Akron compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 4.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 62.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 485 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 Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 485 mi and the route typically takes 9h 10m via I 75 and I 71. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Akron more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 0.9% higher than Knoxville (93.37 vs 92.569, 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 Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Akron, OH.