Moving from Mesa, AZ to Akron, OH
A 1988 mi cross-country move between Mesa and Akron is 35h 54m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 8 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1988 mi Β· 35h 54m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesa | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.6% moving from Mesa to Akron β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $435,134 in Mesa to $137,894 in Akron, a 9.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 32.5" |
Annual average temperature drops 20.0Β°F β 72.3Β°F in Mesa vs 52.3Β°F in Akron, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E MESA, AZ US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.26 |
Akron households earn about 9.6% less than Mesa at the median β $78,779 β $48,544 on 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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 (20.0Β°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 much do homes cost in Akron compared to Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 68.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 1988 mi and the route typically takes 35h 54m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Akron more expensive than Mesa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 9.6% lower than Mesa (93.37 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,600 in the Mesa MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1988 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Mesa vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 38.4% 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 Mesa.
City profiles: Mesa, AZ Β· Akron, OH.