Moving from Dayton, OH to Akron, OH
The 195 mi from Dayton to Akron translate to about 3h 45m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
195 mi Β· 3h 45m by car Β· OH
Distance & route
| Route through | OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 71, I 70, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Dayton (92.694) and Akron (93.37) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $136,592 vs $137,894 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dayton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 32.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.26 |
Income steps up 0.7%: $43,454 in Dayton 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.
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Akron, OH from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 195 mi and the route typically takes 3h 45m via I 71 and I 70. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $43,454 in Dayton β a 11.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $136,592 in Dayton β a 1.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 195 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Akron more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 0.7% higher than Dayton (93.37 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH Β· Akron, OH.