Moving from Salem, OR to Akron, OH
A 2515 mi cross-country move between Salem and Akron is 44h 3m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 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.
2515 mi Β· 44h 3m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salem | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.649 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 104.689 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 110.333 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.9% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Akron at 93.37 vs Salem at 103.649.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $436,318 to $137,894 moving to Akron.
YoY change: Salem +0.5%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Salem | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 32.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Salem (54.1Β°F) and Akron (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salem | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $71,900 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.26 |
Akron households earn about 9.9% less than Salem at the median β $71,900 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 Oregon 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,750 in the Salem MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 181,870 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Akron more expensive than Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 9.9% lower than Salem (93.37 vs 103.649, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Salem to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2515 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 Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $436,318 in Salem β a 68.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from Salem, OR?
The driving distance is 2515 mi and the route typically takes 44h 3m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Salem vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $71,900 in Salem β a 32.5% 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 Salem.
City profiles: Salem, OR Β· Akron, OH.