Moving from West Palm Beach, FL to Akron, OH
A move from West Palm Beach, FL to Akron, OH covers 1137 mi and around 21h 7m of driving through 7 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1137 mi Β· 21h 7m by car Β· OH β WV β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, I 95, US 21 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Concord, Charlotte, Columbia, Savannah |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Palm Beach | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Akron is 18.2% cheaper than West Palm Beach overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Akron is 18.2% below West Palm Beach β $399,471 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: West Palm Beach -3.1%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Palm Beach | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 58Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 61.7" | 32.5" |
Akron runs 23.5Β°F colder on the annual average (75.8Β°F vs 52.3Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP, FL US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Palm Beach | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,508 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $69,261 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.4% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Akron is 18.2% below West Palm Beach ($69,261 vs $48,544, ACS 5-year 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 Florida 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-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see 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 (23.5Β°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 far is Akron, OH from West Palm Beach, FL?
The driving distance is 1137 mi and the route typically takes 21h 7m via I 77 and I 95. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to West Palm Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $399,471 in West Palm Beach β a 65.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from West Palm Beach to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1137 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 West Palm Beach vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $69,261 in West Palm Beach β a 29.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than West Palm Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 18.2% lower than West Palm Beach (93.37 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Akron compare to West Palm Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $46,510 in the West Palm Beach MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from West Palm Beach.
City profiles: West Palm Beach, FL Β· Akron, OH.