Moving from McAllen, TX to Akron, OH
Cross-country relocations like McAllen, TX β Akron, OH cover 1685 mi and about 30h 3m of driving through 5 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.
1685 mi Β· 30h 3m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 85.895 in McAllen to 93.37 in Akron, a 8.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Akron: 8.7% below McAllen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 32.5" |
Major climate step-down: 23.2Β°F cooler annual average in Akron vs McAllen.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 34 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.26 |
Income steps down 8.7%: $60,165 in McAllen 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 Texas 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see 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 (23.2Β°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
Is Akron more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 8.7% higher than McAllen (93.37 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Akron compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 39.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1685 mi and the route typically takes 30h 3m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1685 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 19.3% 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 McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Akron, OH.