Moving from Akron, OH to Richmond, CA
Moving from Akron, OH to Richmond, CA is a 2462 mi cross-country relocation β about 42h 54m of driving through 9 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2462 mi Β· 42h 54m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 23.8% higher overall in Richmond vs Akron on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Richmond: 23.8% above Akron on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Richmond -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 71Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 24.4" |
Richmond runs 6.5Β°F warmer on the annual average (52.3Β°F vs 58.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Richmond β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, RICHMOND, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 115,396 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 20.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.85 |
Median household income in Richmond is 23.8% above Akron ($48,544 vs $90,038, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $606,427 in Richmond vs $137,894 in Akron β a 339.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Richmond more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 23.8% higher than Akron (115.613 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Richmond MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2462 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Richmond, CA from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 2462 mi and the route typically takes 42h 54m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Richmond vs $48,544 in Akron β a 85.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Richmond, CA.