Moving from Modesto, CA to Akron, OH
A 2469 mi cross-country move between Modesto and Akron is 42h 54m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2469 mi Β· 42h 54m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Roseville, Reno |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.3% moving from Modesto to Akron β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $446,494 in Modesto to $137,894 in Akron, a 10.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 32.5" |
Annual temperature drops 10.8Β°F moving to Akron per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.26 |
Akron households earn about 10.3% less than Modesto at the median β $77,899 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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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 (10.8Β°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
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 37.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 10.3% lower than Modesto (93.37 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2469 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 Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 69.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 2469 mi and the route typically takes 42h 54m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Akron, OH.