Moving from Providence, RI to Akron, OH
The drive from Providence, RI to Akron, OH runs 615 mi β about 11h 52m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
615 mi Β· 11h 52m by car Β· RI β CT β NY β PA β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | RI β CT β NY β PA β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Hartford, Springfield, New Haven, Waterbury |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Akron are 8.3% below Providence β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Akron typical home at $137,894 is 8.3% under Providence at $426,007 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Providence | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 32.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.1Β°F vs 52.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.3% between Providence and Akron (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 Rhode Island 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Providence vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $66,772 in Providence β a 27.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $426,007 in Providence β a 67.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Akron, OH from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 615 mi and the route typically takes 11h 52m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 615 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Akron more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 8.3% lower than Providence (93.37 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI Β· Akron, OH.