Moving from Akron, OH to Columbus, OH
It is a 125 mi drive, roughly 2h 22m, between Akron, OH and Columbus, OH. 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.
125 mi Β· 2h 22m by car Β· OH
Distance & route
| Route through | OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 71, I 76, US 224 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.34 |
Columbus households earn about 2.2% more than Akron at the median β $48,544 β $65,327 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
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 does household income compare in Akron vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $48,544 in Akron β a 34.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbus more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 2.2% higher than Akron (95.469 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $137,894 in Akron β a 78.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 125 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,970 in the Columbus MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 1,067,190 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Columbus, OH from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 125 mi and the route typically takes 2h 22m via I 71 and I 76. The trip crosses 1 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· Columbus, OH.