Moving from North Charleston, SC to Akron, OH
Relocating 674 mi from North Charleston to Akron is a 12h 38m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
674 mi Β· 12h 38m by car Β· OH β WV β VA β NC β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β VA β NC β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, I 26, US 21 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Concord, Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| North Charleston | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.962 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.212 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 119.77 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.5% cheaper overall in Akron than North Charleston on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.5% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: North Charleston -2.5%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | North Charleston | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 52.5" | 32.5" |
Expect 14.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHARLESTON INTL AP, SC US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | North Charleston | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,460 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $62,789 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.2% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.26 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.5% β $62,789 β $48,544 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 South Carolina 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-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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 (14.2Β°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
How far is Akron, OH from North Charleston, SC?
The driving distance is 674 mi and the route typically takes 12h 38m via I 77 and I 26. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from North Charleston to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 674 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 North Charleston vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $62,789 in North Charleston β a 22.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than North Charleston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 7.5% lower than North Charleston (93.37 vs 100.962, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to North Charleston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $309,522 in North Charleston β a 55.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Akron compare to North Charleston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $46,130 in the North Charleston MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 374,860 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 North Charleston.
City profiles: North Charleston, SC Β· Akron, OH.