Moving from Akron, OH to Renton, WA
Cross-country relocations like Akron, OH β Renton, WA cover 2427 mi and about 42h 43m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2427 mi Β· 42h 43m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.37 in Akron to 111.133 in Renton, a 19.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Renton: 19.0% above Akron on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 34.7" |
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, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.55 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 19.0% between Akron and Renton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Akron to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2427 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Renton more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 19.0% higher than Akron (111.133 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Renton, WA from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 2427 mi and the route typically takes 42h 43m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $137,894 in Akron β a 454.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $48,544 in Akron β a 99.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Renton, WA.