Moving from Akron, OH to Aurora, IL

It is a 398 mi drive, roughly 7h 39m, between Akron, OH and Aurora, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β€” not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.

398 mi Β· 7h 39m by car Β· OH β†’ IN β†’ IL

COL +11.0% Home values +129.9% Ξ” -2.1Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
398 mi
Drive time
7h 39m
States
3
Fuel (25 mpg)
16 gal
Route throughOH β†’ IN β†’ IL
Primary highwaysI 80, I 90, I 294
Major cities en routeCleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville

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

Cost of living

AkronAuroraU.S. avg
All items (RPP)93.37103.595100.0
Rents96.44883.581100.0
Goods93.628107.258100.0
Services76.785112.01100.0

Expect roughly 11.0% higher cost of living β€” rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.

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

Housing prices

Akron β€” typical home
$137,894
Aurora β€” typical home
$316,958
Akron β€” typical rent
$1,123/mo
Aurora β€” typical rent
$2,228/mo

Expect roughly 11.0% higher home prices β€” ZHVI goes from $137,894 to $316,958 moving to Aurora.

YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsAkronAurora
Annual avg temperature52Β°F50Β°F
January avg low21Β°F16Β°F
July avg high85Β°F84Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”27.9"
Annual precipitation32.5"39.5"

Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Aurora (50.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).

Aurora averages 27.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals β€” a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.

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

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023AkronAurora
Population189,526179,867
Median household income$48,544$90,109
Median age37.235.2
Bachelor's degree or higher15.3%22.5%
Avg household size2.262.98

Aurora households earn about 11.0% more than Akron at the median β€” $48,544 β†’ $90,109 on ACS 2023.

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

Jobs & wages

Akron MSA β€” median wage
$45,950
Aurora MSA β€” median wage
$49,790
Akron MSA β€” employment
320,810
Aurora MSA β€” employment
4,506,800

Top occupations in Aurora MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 519,810 $46,540
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 497,550 $41,020
Management Occupations 405,130 $125,280
Sales and Related Occupations 386,070 $38,490
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 368,000 $33,540

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Ohio and Illinois

Ohio income tax
3.5% top marginal
Illinois income tax
4.95% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Winter gear first: Aurora averages 27.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β€” pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
  • 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 Illinois after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How far is Aurora, IL from Akron, OH?

The driving distance is 398 mi and the route typically takes 7h 39m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Akron vs Aurora?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $48,544 in Akron β€” a 85.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

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

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 398 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 Aurora compared to Akron?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $137,894 in Akron β€” a 129.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does the job market in Aurora compare to Akron?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Is Aurora more expensive than Akron?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 11.0% higher than Akron (103.595 vs 93.37, 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 Akron.

City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Aurora, IL.

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