Moving from Raleigh, NC to Akron, OH
Relocating 526 mi from Raleigh to Akron is a 9h 58m drive through 4 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.
526 mi Β· 9h 58m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, I 40, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Cary, Durham, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Raleigh | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.9% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Raleigh -2.3%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Raleigh | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 32.5" |
Expect 8.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Raleigh | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 470,763 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $82,424 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.5% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.26 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.9% β $82,424 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 North 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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
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 Raleigh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,800 in the Raleigh MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 526 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 Raleigh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $433,996 in Raleigh β a 68.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Raleigh vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $82,424 in Raleigh β a 41.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Raleigh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 4.9% lower than Raleigh (93.37 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Akron, OH from Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance is 526 mi and the route typically takes 9h 58m via I 77 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Raleigh.
City profiles: Raleigh, NC Β· Akron, OH.