Moving from Akron, OH to Worcester, MA
A move from Akron, OH to Worcester, MA covers 603 mi and around 11h 33m 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.
603 mi Β· 11h 33m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Worcester is 9.8% higher than Akron, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Worcester is 9.8% above Akron β $137,894 vs $430,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 48.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Worcester (48.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Worcester averages 72.9 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, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Worcester is 9.8% above Akron ($48,544 vs $67,544, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Worcester averages 72.9 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Akron to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 603 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $48,544 in Akron β a 39.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Worcester, MA from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 603 mi and the route typically takes 11h 33m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Worcester more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 9.8% higher than Akron (102.523 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $137,894 in Akron β a 211.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Worcester, MA.