Moving from New Orleans, LA to Akron, OH
The drive from New Orleans, LA to Akron, OH runs 1026 mi β about 19h on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1026 mi Β· 19h by car Β· LA β MS β AL β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS β AL β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 59, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Akron and New Orleans is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Akron is 0.8% below New Orleans β $242,493 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 32.5" |
Akron runs 18.6Β°F colder on the annual average (70.9Β°F vs 52.3Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.26 |
Income steps down 0.8%: $55,339 in New Orleans vs $48,544 in Akron.
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 Louisiana 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.6Β°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
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1026 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Akron more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 0.8% higher than New Orleans (93.37 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Akron compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 12.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Akron, OH from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 1026 mi and the route typically takes 19h via I 65 and I 59. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 43.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Akron, OH.