Moving from Lowell, MA to Akron, OH
It is 645 mi between Lowell and Akron β roughly 12h 24m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
645 mi Β· 12h 24m by car Β· OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 13.8% cheaper overall in Akron than Lowell on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 32.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.26 |
Akron households earn about 13.8% less than Lowell at the median β $76,205 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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 645 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 71.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 36.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Akron, OH from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 645 mi and the route typically takes 12h 24m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Akron more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 13.8% lower than Lowell (93.37 vs 108.266, 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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Akron, OH.