Moving from Cary, NC to Akron, OH
A move from Cary, NC to Akron, OH covers 520 mi and around 9h 54m of driving through 4 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.
520 mi Β· 9h 54m by car Β· OH β WV β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, I 40, SR 8 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Winston Salem, High Point, Greensboro, Durham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Akron and Cary is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Akron is 4.9% below Cary β $626,396 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cary | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 32.5" |
Akron is 7.8Β°F cooler on the annual average (60.1Β°F vs 52.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Akron is 4.9% below Cary ($129,399 vs $48,544, ACS 5-year 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 North Carolina 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
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Akron more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 4.9% lower than Cary (93.37 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Akron, OH from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 520 mi and the route typically takes 9h 54m via I 77 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $626,396 in Cary β a 78.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $129,399 in Cary β a 62.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cary to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 520 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 Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC Β· Akron, OH.