Moving from Akron, OH to Lansing, MI
Moving from Akron, OH to Lansing, MI covers 251 mi and about 4h 47m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
251 mi Β· 4h 47m by car Β· OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 23, I 96 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, Dearborn, Ann Arbor |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Lansing | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 94.991 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 95.519 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 83.472 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Lansing 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 Lansing is 1.7% above Akron ($163,359 vs $137,894 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Lansing +4.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Lansing |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 50.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 33.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Lansing (48.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Lansing averages 50.2 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, LANSING CAPITAL CITY AP, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Lansing |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 112,546 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $52,170 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.2 |
Median household income in Lansing is 1.7% above Akron ($48,544 β $52,170, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lansing MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,960 | $44,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 17,440 | $76,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,960 | $38,620 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,910 | $34,840 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,840 | $29,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Lansing averages 50.2 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Akron vs Lansing?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,170 in Lansing vs $48,544 in Akron β a 7.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lansing compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,359 in Lansing vs $137,894 in Akron β a 18.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Lansing?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 251 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 Lansing compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,250 in the Lansing MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 211,040 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lansing more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lansing is 1.7% higher than Akron (94.991 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lansing, MI from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 251 mi and the route typically takes 4h 47m via I 80 and US 23. The trip crosses 2 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· Lansing, MI.