Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Akron, OH
It is 1987 mi and 35h 59m from Scottsdale to Akron β a cross-country move across 8 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1987 mi Β· 35h 59m 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 | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | 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 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.6% cheaper overall in Akron than Scottsdale on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.6% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 32.5" |
Annual average temperature gap of 17.3Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.26 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.6% β $107,372 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 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 (17.3Β°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 Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 83.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1987 mi and the route typically takes 35h 59m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1987 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 Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale 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.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 54.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 9.6% lower than Scottsdale (93.37 vs 103.316, 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 Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Akron, OH.