Moving from Chandler, AZ to Akron, OH
Cross-country relocations like Chandler, AZ → Akron, OH cover 1997 mi and about 36h 3m of driving through 8 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.
1997 mi · 36h 3m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Goodyear, Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chandler | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.316 to 93.37, putting Akron roughly 9.6% below Chandler on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Akron: 9.6% below Chandler on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chandler -2.0%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chandler | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,123 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $103,691 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.6% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.6% between Chandler 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 Arizona 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 — 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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Chandler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $524,156 in Chandler — a 73.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Chandler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,600 in the Chandler MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chandler 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 1997 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Chandler vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $103,691 in Chandler — a 53.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Chandler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 9.6% lower than Chandler (93.37 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Akron, OH from Chandler, AZ?
The driving distance is 1997 mi and the route typically takes 36h 3m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chandler.
City profiles: Chandler, AZ · Akron, OH.