Moving from Akron, OH to Wichita, KS
Relocating 976 mi from Akron to Wichita is a 18h 7m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
976 mi Β· 18h 7m by car Β· KS β MO β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 35, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.37 vs 88.946 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 4.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $137,894 to $202,720 moving to Wichita.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 34.3" |
Expect 5.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Wichita averages 12.7 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, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.52 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.7% β $48,544 β $63,072 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wichita MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,200 | $38,160 |
| Production Occupations | 30,560 | $49,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,850 | $27,770 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,880 | $31,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,580 | $37,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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: Wichita averages 12.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Wichita more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 4.7% lower than Akron (88.946 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Wichita, KS from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 976 mi and the route typically takes 18h 7m via I 70 and I 35. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $48,544 in Akron β a 29.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $137,894 in Akron β a 47.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 303,910 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 Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 976 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· Wichita, KS.