Moving from South Bend, IN to Akron, OH
The 275 mi from South Bend to Akron translate to about 5h 12m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
275 mi · 5h 12m by car · OH → IN
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, SR 21 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| South Bend | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.858 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.733 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.221 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.586 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Akron and South Bend is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Akron is 0.6% below South Bend — $192,340 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: South Bend +4.9%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | South Bend | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 21°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 32.5" |
Annual average temperatures in South Bend (49.8°F) and Akron (52.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: S BEND, IN US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Bend | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,866 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $52,512 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 33.9 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.26 |
Income steps down 0.6%: $52,512 in South Bend vs $48,544 in Akron.
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 Indiana 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from South Bend to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 275 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Akron, OH from South Bend, IN?
The driving distance is 275 mi and the route typically takes 5h 12m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in South Bend vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $52,512 in South Bend — a 7.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than South Bend?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 0.6% higher than South Bend (93.37 vs 92.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Akron compare to South Bend?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $44,420 in the South Bend MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 129,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to South Bend?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $192,340 in South Bend — a 28.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from South Bend.
City profiles: South Bend, IN · Akron, OH.