Moving from Akron, OH to Boulder, CO
Relocating 1363 mi from Akron to Boulder is a 24h 27m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1363 mi Β· 24h 27m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Boulder | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 105.202 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 82.741 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 157.02 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 12.7% above Akron β 93.37 β 105.202 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
12.7% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 21.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 92.8 in of snowfall annually at Boulder.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.7% β $48,544 β $85,364 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boulder MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,760 | $91,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $47,560 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,360 | $50,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,660 | $37,440 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 17,320 | $131,150 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Boulder averages 92.8 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $137,894 in Akron β a 599.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $48,544 in Akron β a 75.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Boulder compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $64,750 in the Boulder MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 194,440 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Boulder more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 12.7% higher than Akron (105.202 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Boulder, CO from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 1363 mi and the route typically takes 24h 27m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Boulder?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1363 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 Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Boulder, CO.