Moving from Elk Grove, CA to Akron, OH

Cross-country relocations like Elk Grove, CA β†’ Akron, OH cover 2404 mi and about 41h 44m of driving through 9 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.

2404 mi Β· 41h 44m by car Β· OH β†’ IN β†’ IL β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ WY β†’ UT β†’ NV β†’ CA

COL -12.5% Home values -78.4% Ξ” -9.5Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2404 mi
Drive time
41h 44m
States
9
Fuel (25 mpg)
96 gal
Route throughOH β†’ IN β†’ IL β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ WY β†’ UT β†’ NV β†’ CA
Primary highwaysI 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 90
Major cities en routeCleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Joliet

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Elk GroveAkronU.S. avg
All items (RPP)106.6793.37100.0
Rents151.2996.448100.0
Goods105.16893.628100.0
Services130.2376.785100.0

Akron is 12.5% cheaper than Elk Grove overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Elk Grove β€” typical home
$637,450
Akron β€” typical home
$137,894
Elk Grove β€” typical rent
$2,642/mo
Akron β€” typical rent
$1,123/mo

Typical home value in Akron is 12.5% below Elk Grove β€” $637,450 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Elk Grove -3.5%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsElk GroveAkron
Annual avg temperature62Β°F52Β°F
January avg low39Β°F21Β°F
July avg high93Β°F85Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitation18.1"32.5"

Climate cools by 9.5Β°F on the annual average β€” 61.8Β°F β†’ 52.3Β°F.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SACRAMENTO EXECUTIVE AP, CA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Elk GroveAkron
Population177,221189,526
Median household income$122,229$48,544
Median age3937.2
Bachelor's degree or higher25.4%15.3%
Avg household size3.242.26

Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.5% between Elk Grove and Akron (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Elk Grove MSA β€” median wage
$55,290
Akron MSA β€” median wage
$45,950
Elk Grove MSA β€” employment
1,048,170
Akron MSA β€” employment
320,810

Top occupations in Akron MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 California and Ohio

California income tax
13.3% top marginal
Ohio income tax
3.5% top marginal

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 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β€” check WYDOT 511 before departure.
  • I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
  • I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
  • Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Frequently asked

How far is Akron, OH from Elk Grove, CA?

The driving distance is 2404 mi and the route typically takes 41h 44m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

When is the best time to move from Elk Grove 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 2404 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Is Akron more expensive than Elk Grove?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 12.5% lower than Elk Grove (93.37 vs 106.67, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does the job market in Akron compare to Elk Grove?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $55,290 in the Elk Grove MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 1,048,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Elk Grove?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $637,450 in Elk Grove β€” a 78.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Elk Grove vs Akron?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $122,229 in Elk Grove β€” a 60.3% 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 Elk Grove.

City profiles: Elk Grove, CA Β· Akron, OH.

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