Moving from Akron, OH to Rochester, MN
A move from Akron, OH to Rochester, MN covers 713 mi and around 13h 22m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
713 mi Β· 13h 22m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 94 |
| 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 | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Akron (93.37) and Rochester (90.821) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Rochester: 2.7% above Akron on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 34.7" |
Rochester is 7.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (52.3Β°F vs 44.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 53.1 in of snowfall annually at Rochester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.4 |
Median household income in Rochester is 2.7% above Akron ($48,544 vs $87,767, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 53.1 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Rochester, MN from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 713 mi and the route typically takes 13h 22m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $137,894 in Akron β a 146.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Rochester more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 2.7% lower than Akron (90.821 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $48,544 in Akron β a 80.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 713 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· Rochester, MN.