Moving from Akron, OH to Elizabeth, NJ
The 431 mi from Akron to Elizabeth translate to about 8h 15m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
431 mi Β· 8h 15m by car Β· OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, NJ 10 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Paterson, Newark, Yonkers, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Elizabeth runs 20.6% higher than Akron β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (93.37 β 112.563, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 20.6% above Akron β $137,894 vs $534,667 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 46.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Elizabeth (55.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Elizabeth averages 31.5 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, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 20.6% between Akron and Elizabeth (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 20.6% higher than Akron (112.563 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $137,894 in Akron β a 287.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 431 mi and the route typically takes 8h 15m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $48,544 in Akron β a 31.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 431 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· Elizabeth, NJ.