Moving from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC
The drive from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC runs 571 mi β about 10h 51m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
571 mi Β· 10h 51m by car Β· OH β WV β VA β NC β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β VA β NC β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, US 21, SR 8 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Concord, Charlotte |
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 | 93.662 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 88.306 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.339 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 79.455 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Akron (93.37) and Columbia (93.662) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Columbia: 0.3% above Akron on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Columbia +1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 46.3" |
Climate warms by 11.3Β°F on the annual average β 52.3Β°F β 63.6Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Columbia β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 138,019 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $55,653 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 28.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.67 |
Income steps up 0.3%: $48,544 in Akron vs $55,653 in Columbia.
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 | 55,750 | $38,500 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 36,270 | $32,390 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 34,570 | $35,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 34,100 | $25,840 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 26,320 | $73,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and South Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check South Carolina'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
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Columbia average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October.
- 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 South Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,630 in the Columbia MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 381,750 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,653 in Columbia vs $48,544 in Akron β a 14.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,068 in Columbia vs $137,894 in Akron β a 66.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Columbia more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 0.3% higher than Akron (93.662 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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 571 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Columbia, SC from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 571 mi and the route typically takes 10h 51m via I 77 and US 21. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Columbia, SC.