Moving from Akron, OH to Fort Wayne, IN
It is a 214 mi drive, roughly 4h 3m, between Akron, OH and Fort Wayne, IN. 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.
214 mi Β· 4h 3m by car Β· IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 30, I 71, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Fort Wayne | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 92.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 86.247 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.318 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 72.277 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.37 vs 92.572 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $137,894 to $242,385 moving to Fort Wayne.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Fort Wayne +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 39.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Fort Wayne (50.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Fort Wayne averages 33.6 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, FT WAYNE INTL AP, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 266,235 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $60,293 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.43 |
Fort Wayne households earn about 0.9% more than Akron at the median β $48,544 β $60,293 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Wayne MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 26,110 | $44,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 25,400 | $40,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,710 | $37,780 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,890 | $35,030 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 19,190 | $28,570 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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: Fort Wayne averages 33.6 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 Indiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Akron vs Fort Wayne?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,293 in Fort Wayne vs $48,544 in Akron β a 24.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Fort Wayne?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 214 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 Fort Wayne compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,600 in the Fort Wayne MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 221,290 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Fort Wayne, IN from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 214 mi and the route typically takes 4h 3m via US 30 and I 71. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Fort Wayne more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Wayne is 0.9% lower than Akron (92.572 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Fort Wayne compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,385 in Fort Wayne vs $137,894 in Akron β a 75.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Fort Wayne, IN.