Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Akrontoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Akron can be as low as $1,152 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,205.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $393 to $977. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Akron

Chicago Akron
Average rent cost $2,045 $950
Average home value $295,743 $121,327
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $61,971
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $1,543
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $4,120
Unemployment rate 9.0% 6.9%
Sales tax 10.25% 6.75%
State income tax 4.95% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Akron are 54% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Akron are 59.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Akron is 13.4% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Akron is 20.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Akron is 12.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Akron is 23.33% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Akron are 34.15% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Akron are 29.29% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,616.41 in Akron to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Akron

Akron Chicago
Population 190,469 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 9
Walkability score 48 77
Bike friendliness score 43 72
Crime Index 5.0 35.19
Safety Index 50.39 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Akron's population is about 93% less than Chicago.
  • Akron's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Akron is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Akron has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • Akron's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 5.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Akron neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Akron is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 50.39 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Akron is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Akron move

  • Weather: Best months to move to Akron are June, August and September as these are the driest months heat is not extreme. Winters are cold and dry but typically bring a mix of rain, sleet, and snow with occasional heavy snowfall and icing.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Akron. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Akron

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Rubber City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Akron.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Highland Square
  • Downtown Akron
  • Merriman Valley
  • North Hill
  • Wallhaven

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Northwest Akron
  • Merriman Valley
  • Fairlawn Heights
  • Wallhaven
  • Highland Square

Things to do in Akrontoggle

After settling into your new Ohio home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Akron has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Akron is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Akron Art Museum, Akron Children's Museum, and Nativity Museum and replica of Bethlehem's cave.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Portage Lakes State Park, Cascade Valley Park, and Springfield Lake Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Akron RubberDucks (Baseball-Eastern League) and Akron Zips (MAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Akron?

The best time to move from Chicago to Akron is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Akron?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Akron in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Akron take?

The 367-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Akron, OH, takes one to four days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Akron.

Helpful moving resources