Moving from Madison, WI to Akron, OH
Relocating 517 mi from Madison to Akron is a 9h 52m drive through 4 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.
517 mi Β· 9h 52m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.287 vs 93.37 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $423,767 to $137,894 moving to Akron.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 32.5" |
Expect 5.1Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.26 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.0% β $76,983 β $48,544 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Akron, OH from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 517 mi and the route typically takes 9h 52m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 517 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 Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $423,767 in Madison β a 67.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $76,983 in Madison β a 36.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 4.0% lower than Madison (93.37 vs 97.287, 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Akron, OH.