Moving from Akron, OH to Rockford, IL
It is a 444 mi drive, roughly 8h 34m, between Akron, OH and Rockford, IL. 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.
444 mi Β· 8h 34m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, 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 | Rockford | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 92.154 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 89.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 70.076 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.37 vs 92.154 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 1.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $137,894 to $177,225 moving to Rockford.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Rockford +9.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 37.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 37.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Rockford (49.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Rockford averages 37.1 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, ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 147,649 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $53,328 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.4 |
Households in Rockford earn about 1.3% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rockford MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 17,580 | $41,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,500 | $41,140 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,320 | $41,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,130 | $30,050 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,300 | $34,130 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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: Rockford averages 37.1 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Rockford more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rockford is 1.3% lower than Akron (92.154 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Rockford?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,328 in Rockford vs $48,544 in Akron β a 9.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Rockford?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 444 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 Rockford compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,810 in the Rockford MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 138,920 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rockford compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $177,225 in Rockford vs $137,894 in Akron β a 28.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Rockford, IL from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 444 mi and the route typically takes 8h 34m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 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· Rockford, IL.