Moving from Worcester, MA to Akron, OH

A move from Worcester, MA to Akron, OH covers 603 mi and around 11h 33m of driving through 5 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.

603 mi Β· 11h 33m by car Β· MA β†’ CT β†’ NY β†’ PA β†’ OH

COL -8.9% Home values -67.9% Ξ” +4.2Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
603 mi
Drive time
11h 33m
States
5
Fuel (25 mpg)
24 gal
Route throughMA β†’ CT β†’ NY β†’ PA β†’ OH
Primary highwaysI 80, I 84, I 76
Major cities en routeSpringfield, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

WorcesterAkronU.S. avg
All items (RPP)102.52393.37100.0
Rents155.20696.448100.0
Goods97.01593.628100.0
Services113.00176.785100.0

RPP moves from 102.523 to 93.37, putting Akron roughly 8.9% below Worcester on the overall price level.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Worcester β€” typical home
$430,112
Akron β€” typical home
$137,894
Worcester β€” typical rent
$2,156/mo
Akron β€” typical rent
$1,123/mo

Homes run dramatically cheaper in Akron: 8.9% below Worcester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsWorcesterAkron
Annual avg temperature48Β°F52Β°F
January avg low17Β°F21Β°F
July avg high80Β°F85Β°F
Annual snowfall72.9"β€”
Annual precipitation48.3"32.5"

No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023WorcesterAkron
Population205,501189,526
Median household income$67,544$48,544
Median age34.137.2
Bachelor's degree or higher20.1%15.3%
Avg household size2.62.26

Median household income in Akron is 8.9% below Worcester ($67,544 vs $48,544, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Worcester MSA β€” median wage
β€”
Akron MSA β€” median wage
$45,950
Worcester MSA β€” employment
β€”
Akron MSA β€” employment
320,810

Top occupations in Akron MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 Massachusetts and Ohio

Massachusetts income tax
9% top marginal
Ohio income tax
3.5% top marginal

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 20–30% 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

  • Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β€” check 511NY.
  • The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Frequently asked

How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Worcester?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $430,112 in Worcester β€” a 67.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Worcester vs Akron?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $67,544 in Worcester β€” a 28.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Akron more expensive than Worcester?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 8.9% lower than Worcester (93.37 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How far is Akron, OH from Worcester, MA?

The driving distance is 603 mi and the route typically takes 11h 33m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

When is the best time to move from Worcester to Akron?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 603 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.

City profiles: Worcester, MA Β· Akron, OH.

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