Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Akron, OH
The 459 mi from Milwaukee to Akron translate to about 8h 42m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
459 mi Β· 8h 42m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Akron and Milwaukee is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Akron is 3.7% below Milwaukee β $220,137 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 32.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Milwaukee (48.3Β°F) and Akron (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.26 |
Income steps down 3.7%: $51,888 in Milwaukee 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Akron compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 6.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 459 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Akron more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 3.7% lower than Milwaukee (93.37 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Akron, OH from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 459 mi and the route typically takes 8h 42m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 37.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Akron, OH.