Moving from Columbus, GA to Akron, OH
The drive from Columbus, GA to Akron, OH runs 787 mi β about 15h on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
787 mi Β· 15h by car Β· GA β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 71, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.296 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.666 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.332 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 61.185 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Akron and Columbus are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.296 vs 93.37); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Akron typical home at $137,894 is 4.6% under Columbus at $173,152 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Columbus +1.2%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 32.5" |
Climate cools by 11.4Β°F on the annual average β 63.7Β°F β 52.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBUS #2, GA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 204,383 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $56,622 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.26 |
Income steps down 4.6%: $56,622 in Columbus vs $48,544 in Akron.
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 Georgia 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
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 (11.4Β°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
How far is Akron, OH from Columbus, GA?
The driving distance is 787 mi and the route typically takes 15h via I 75 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 787 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Akron more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 4.6% higher than Columbus (93.37 vs 89.296, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $173,152 in Columbus β a 20.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Columbus?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $38,490 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 113,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Columbus vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $56,622 in Columbus β a 14.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, GA Β· Akron, OH.