Moving from Akron, OH to Columbia, MO
A move from Akron, OH to Columbia, MO covers 657 mi and around 12h 32m of driving through 4 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.
657 mi Β· 12h 32m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 71, I 270 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Columbia and Akron is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Columbia is 4.2% above Akron β $137,894 vs $321,091 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 44.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Columbia (56.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Columbia averages 17.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.48 |
Median household income in Columbia is 4.2% above Akron ($48,544 vs $64,488, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,920 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,570 | $28,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 9,410 | $73,610 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 8,040 | $48,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,510 | $32,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Columbia averages 17.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $137,894 in Akron β a 132.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 657 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 Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $48,544 in Akron β a 32.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbia more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 4.2% lower than Akron (89.438 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Columbia, MO from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 657 mi and the route typically takes 12h 32m via I 70 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 320,810 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 Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Columbia, MO.