Moving from Carlsbad, CA to Akron, OH
Cross-country relocations like Carlsbad, CA β Akron, OH cover 2382 mi and about 42h 34m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2382 mi Β· 42h 34m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Carlsbad | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.887 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 174.247 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.963 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 179.267 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Akron is 16.5% cheaper than Carlsbad overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Akron is 16.5% below Carlsbad β $1,370,649 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Carlsbad -3.9%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Carlsbad | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 48Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 74Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.4" | 32.5" |
Climate cools by 10.2Β°F on the annual average β 62.5Β°F β 52.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CARLSBAD PALOMAR AP, CA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Carlsbad | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,500 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $139,326 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 42.8 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.8% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 16.5% between Carlsbad and Akron (ACS 2023).
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 California 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.2Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Akron more expensive than Carlsbad?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 16.5% lower than Carlsbad (93.37 vs 111.887, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Akron, OH from Carlsbad, CA?
The driving distance is 2382 mi and the route typically takes 42h 34m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Carlsbad?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $1,370,649 in Carlsbad β a 89.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Carlsbad vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $139,326 in Carlsbad β a 65.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Carlsbad to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2382 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Carlsbad?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $53,090 in the Carlsbad MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 1,522,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Carlsbad.
City profiles: Carlsbad, CA Β· Akron, OH.