Moving from Charlotte, NC to Akron, OH
It is a 480 mi drive, roughly 9h 1m, between Charlotte, NC and Akron, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
480 mi Β· 9h 1m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, US 21, NC 16 |
| Major cities en route | Concord, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Charlotte | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.348 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.164 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.58 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.635 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.348 vs 93.37 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $397,125 to $137,894 moving to Akron.
YoY change: Charlotte -1.3%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Charlotte | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 32.5" |
Annual temperature drops 9.1Β°F moving to Akron per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AP, NC US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Charlotte | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 886,283 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $78,438 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 34.4 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.4% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.45 | 2.26 |
Akron households earn about 4.1% less than Charlotte at the median β $78,438 β $48,544 on 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 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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 480 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Charlotte vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $78,438 in Charlotte β a 38.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Charlotte?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $397,125 in Charlotte β a 65.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Charlotte?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $47,830 in the Charlotte MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 1,311,360 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Akron more expensive than Charlotte?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 4.1% lower than Charlotte (93.37 vs 97.348, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Akron, OH from Charlotte, NC?
The driving distance is 480 mi and the route typically takes 9h 1m via I 77 and US 21. The trip crosses 4 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 Charlotte.
City profiles: Charlotte, NC Β· Akron, OH.