Moving from Buffalo, NY to Akron, OH
Moving from Buffalo, NY to Akron, OH covers 214 mi and about 4h 18m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
214 mi Β· 4h 18m by car Β· NY β PA β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β PA β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, SR 8, I 271 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Buffalo | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.844 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 129.489 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.989 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Buffalo (95.844) and Akron (93.37) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Akron: 2.6% below Buffalo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Buffalo +3.8%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Buffalo | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 95.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 32.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BUFFALO, NY US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Buffalo | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,397 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $48,050 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.31 | 2.26 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Akron MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median 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 New York and Ohio
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 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Akron compare to Buffalo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,560 in the Buffalo MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 526,990 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Buffalo vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $48,050 in Buffalo β a 1.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Akron, OH from Buffalo, NY?
The driving distance is 214 mi and the route typically takes 4h 18m via I 90 and SR 8. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 214 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Akron more expensive than Buffalo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 2.6% lower than Buffalo (93.37 vs 95.844, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Buffalo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $238,089 in Buffalo β a 42.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Buffalo.
City profiles: Buffalo, NY Β· Akron, OH.