Moving from Akron, OH to Santa Rosa, CA
A 2480 mi cross-country move between Akron and Santa Rosa is 43h 26m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2480 mi Β· 43h 26m 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, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Santa Rosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 107.784 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 154.777 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 139.569 | 100.0 |
Santa Rosa runs about 15.4% more expensive overall than Akron β RPP 93.37 β 107.784.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $137,894 in Akron to $718,726 in Santa Rosa, a 15.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Santa Rosa -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 31.5" |
Annual temperature rises 6.7Β°F moving to Santa Rosa per NOAA normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Santa Rosa sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, SANTA ROSA, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 177,216 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $97,410 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 40.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.6 |
Santa Rosa households earn about 15.4% more than Akron at the median β $48,544 β $97,410 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Rosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,200 | $36,990 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 22,130 | $50,550 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,610 | $42,770 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,180 | $45,180 |
| Management Occupations | 14,030 | $119,330 |
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 does household income compare in Akron vs Santa Rosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,410 in Santa Rosa vs $48,544 in Akron β a 100.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Santa Rosa, CA from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 2480 mi and the route typically takes 43h 26m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Santa Rosa more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Rosa is 15.4% higher than Akron (107.784 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Santa Rosa compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $718,726 in Santa Rosa vs $137,894 in Akron β a 421.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Santa Rosa compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $51,670 in the Santa Rosa MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 206,310 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 Santa Rosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2480 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· Santa Rosa, CA.