Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Akron, OH
Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Akron, OH covers 425 mi and about 8h 1m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
425 mi Β· 8h 1m 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, US 52, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Greensboro, High Point, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Winston-Salem (92.043) and Akron (93.37) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Akron: 1.4% below Winston-Salem on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 32.5" |
Akron is 7.2Β°F cooler on the annual average (59.5Β°F vs 52.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Akron is 1.4% below Winston-Salem ($57,673 β $48,544, 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 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
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 425 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 Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 47.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 271,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Winston-Salem vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 15.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Akron, OH from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 425 mi and the route typically takes 8h 1m via I 77 and US 52. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Akron more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 1.4% higher than Winston-Salem (93.37 vs 92.043, 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 Winston-Salem.
City profiles: Winston-Salem, NC Β· Akron, OH.