Moving from Akron, OH to Syracuse, NY
The 358 mi from Akron to Syracuse translate to about 7h 3m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
358 mi Β· 7h 3m by car Β· OH β PA β NY
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, SR 8, I 271 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Buffalo, Rochester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Syracuse | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 95.742 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 133.405 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 80.656 | 100.0 |
Syracuse and Akron are close on the overall BEA RPP (93.37 vs 95.742); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Syracuse typical home at $210,251 is 2.5% above Akron at $137,894 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Syracuse +5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 127.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 39.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 48.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Syracuse sees 127.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 146,211 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $45,845 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.47 |
Income steps down 2.5%: $48,544 in Akron vs $45,845 in Syracuse.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Syracuse MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,010 | $45,230 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 25,810 | $42,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,460 | $35,690 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 25,240 | $65,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,760 | $34,050 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Syracuse averages 127.8 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Syracuse compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 294,490 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 Syracuse?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 358 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Syracuse more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Syracuse is 2.5% higher than Akron (95.742 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Syracuse?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,845 in Syracuse vs $48,544 in Akron β a 5.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Syracuse compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,251 in Syracuse vs $137,894 in Akron β a 52.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Syracuse, NY from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 358 mi and the route typically takes 7h 3m via I 90 and SR 8. 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· Syracuse, NY.