Moving from Akron, OH to Cleveland, OH
Relocating from Akron, OH to Cleveland, OH? The drive is 38 mi β about 49 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
38 mi Β· 49 min by car Β· OH
Distance & route
| Route through | OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, SR 59, I 490 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Akron and Cleveland sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Cleveland run about 0.6% cheaper β ZHVI $137,894 β $115,537 (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 33.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.18 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.6% lower in Cleveland than Akron.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $137,894 in Akron β a 16.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 0.6% higher than Akron (93.923 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 38 mi and the route typically takes 49 min via I 77 and SR 59. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 38 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 Akron vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $48,544 in Akron β a 19.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Cleveland, OH.