Moving from Meridian, ID to Akron, OH

Moving from Meridian, ID to Akron, OH is a 2048 mi cross-country relocation β€” about 35h 27m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.

2048 mi Β· 35h 27m by car Β· OH β†’ IN β†’ IL β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ WY β†’ UT β†’ ID

COL -5.1% Home values -73.8% Ξ” -0.9Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2048 mi
Drive time
35h 27m
States
8
Fuel (25 mpg)
82 gal
Route throughOH β†’ IN β†’ IL β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ WY β†’ UT β†’ ID
Primary highwaysI 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 84
Major cities en routeCleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Joliet

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

Cost of living

MeridianAkronU.S. avg
All items (RPP)98.39193.37100.0
Rents70.69596.448100.0
Goods96.17993.628100.0
Services105.5876.785100.0

Akron is 5.1% cheaper than Meridian overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

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

Housing prices

Meridian β€” typical home
$526,994
Akron β€” typical home
$137,894
Meridian β€” typical rent
$1,991/mo
Akron β€” typical rent
$1,123/mo

Typical home value in Akron is 5.1% below Meridian β€” $526,994 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsMeridianAkron
Annual avg temperature53Β°F52Β°F
January avg low26Β°F21Β°F
July avg high93Β°F85Β°F
Annual snowfall17.6"β€”
Annual precipitation11.5"32.5"

Annual average temperatures in Meridian (53.2Β°F) and Akron (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023MeridianAkron
Population124,865189,526
Median household income$98,686$48,544
Median age37.437.2
Bachelor's degree or higher29.3%15.3%
Avg household size2.752.26

Median household income in Akron is 5.1% below Meridian ($98,686 vs $48,544, ACS 5-year 2023).

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

Jobs & wages

Meridian MSA β€” median wage
$45,320
Akron MSA β€” median wage
$45,950
Meridian MSA β€” employment
372,470
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 Idaho and Ohio

Idaho income tax
5.7% 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.
  • Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.

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

Frequently asked

Is Akron more expensive than Meridian?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 5.1% lower than Meridian (93.37 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How far is Akron, OH from Meridian, ID?

The driving distance is 2048 mi and the route typically takes 35h 27m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Meridian vs Akron?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $98,686 in Meridian β€” a 50.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Meridian 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 2048 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How does the job market in Akron compare to Meridian?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Meridian?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $526,994 in Meridian β€” a 73.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.

City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Akron, OH.

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