Moving from Surprise, AZ to Akron, OH
Cross-country relocations like Surprise, AZ β Akron, OH cover 2044 mi and about 36h 12m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2044 mi Β· 36h 12m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Akron is 9.6% cheaper than Surprise overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Akron is 9.6% below Surprise β $422,473 vs $137,894 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Surprise | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 32.5" |
Akron runs 17.9Β°F colder on the annual average (70.2Β°F vs 52.3Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.6% between Surprise 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 Arizona 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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 (17.9Β°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
Is Akron more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 9.6% lower than Surprise (93.37 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Surprise vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $93,371 in Surprise β a 48.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Akron, OH from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 2044 mi and the route typically takes 36h 12m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $422,473 in Surprise β a 67.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Surprise to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2044 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ Β· Akron, OH.