Moving from Brockton, MA to Akron, OH

The drive from Brockton, MA to Akron, OH runs 654 mi β€” about 12h 37m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.

654 mi Β· 12h 37m by car Β· OH β†’ PA β†’ NY β†’ CT β†’ MA

COL -13.8% Home values -72.6% Ξ” +0.9Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
654 mi
Drive time
12h 37m
States
5
Fuel (25 mpg)
26 gal
Route throughOH β†’ PA β†’ NY β†’ CT β†’ MA
Primary highwaysI 80, I 84, US 6
Major cities en routeCleveland, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

BrocktonAkronU.S. avg
All items (RPP)108.26693.37100.0
Rents148.76896.448100.0
Goods99.65193.628100.0
Services148.42476.785100.0

Akron is 13.8% cheaper than Brockton overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Brockton β€” typical home
$503,833
Akron β€” typical home
$137,894
Brockton β€” typical rent
$2,329/mo
Akron β€” typical rent
$1,123/mo

Typical home value in Akron is 13.8% below Brockton β€” $503,833 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Brockton +1.4%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsBrocktonAkron
Annual avg temperature51Β°F52Β°F
January avg low21Β°F21Β°F
July avg high84Β°F85Β°F
Annual snowfall34.3"β€”
Annual precipitation50.2"32.5"

Annual average temperatures in Brockton (51.4Β°F) and Akron (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BROCKTON, MA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023BrocktonAkron
Population105,080189,526
Median household income$77,089$48,544
Median age36.537.2
Bachelor's degree or higher14.6%15.3%
Avg household size2.952.26

Income gap is large: median household income drops 13.8% between Brockton and Akron (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Brockton MSA β€” median wage
β€”
Akron MSA β€” median wage
$45,950
Brockton MSA β€” employment
β€”
Akron MSA β€” employment
320,810

Top occupations in Akron MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 39,390 $41,700
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 35,340 $38,160
Sales and Related Occupations 28,050 $35,310
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 27,940 $28,550
Production Occupations 25,300 $41,600

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Massachusetts and Ohio

Massachusetts income tax
9% top marginal
Ohio income tax
3.5% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 20–30% 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.

Frequently asked

How far is Akron, OH from Brockton, MA?

The driving distance is 654 mi and the route typically takes 12h 37m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Brockton?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $503,833 in Brockton β€” a 72.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Akron more expensive than Brockton?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 13.8% lower than Brockton (93.37 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does household income compare in Brockton vs Akron?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $77,089 in Brockton β€” a 37.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Brockton to Akron?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 654 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 Brockton.

City profiles: Brockton, MA Β· Akron, OH.

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