Moving from Detroit, MI to Akron, OH
It is a 194 mi drive, roughly 3h 43m, between Detroit, MI 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.
194 mi Β· 3h 43m by car Β· MI β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Sterling Heights, Warren, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Detroit | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.9% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Akron at 93.37 vs Detroit at 100.298.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $75,358 to $137,894 moving to Akron.
YoY change: Detroit -3.0%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Detroit | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.9" | 32.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Detroit (50.3Β°F) and Akron (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DEARBORN #2, MI US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Detroit | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,644 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $39,575 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.5% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.26 |
Akron households earn about 6.9% more than Detroit at the median β $39,575 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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Detroit vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $39,575 in Detroit β a 22.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Detroit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $75,358 in Detroit β a 83.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance is 194 mi and the route typically takes 3h 43m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Detroit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,950 in the Detroit MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 194 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Akron more expensive than Detroit?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 6.9% lower than Detroit (93.37 vs 100.298, 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 Detroit.
City profiles: Detroit, MI Β· Akron, OH.