Moving from Richmond, VA to Akron, OH
It is a 418 mi drive, roughly 8h 32m, between Richmond, VA and Akron, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
418 mi Β· 8h 32m by car Β· VA β WV β MD β PA β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β WV β MD β PA β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, I 70, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.858 vs 93.37 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $369,646 to $137,894 moving to Akron.
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 29Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | 32.5" |
Annual temperature drops 6.6Β°F moving to Akron per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.26 |
Akron households earn about 4.6% less than Richmond at the median β $62,671 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 Virginia 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-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.
- 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
Is Akron more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 4.6% lower than Richmond (93.37 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $62,671 in Richmond β a 22.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 418 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 647,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Akron, OH from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance is 418 mi and the route typically takes 8h 32m via I 76 and I 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $369,646 in Richmond β a 62.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA Β· Akron, OH.