Moving from Cleveland to Akron, OH

Quick answer: Moving from Cleveland to Akron costs $40–$4,240, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 38-mile route within Ohio take – days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 99+ Ohio moving companies.

  • Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
  • Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.

What are the best ways to move from Cleveland to Akron?

Moving from Cleveland to Akron doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.

For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).

Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 38-mile move:

Moving from Cleveland to Akron costs between $40 and $4,240, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 38-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Potential downside
Full-service mover $868–$2,570 Movers handle loading, driving & unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container $376–$1,109 (around 30% less than full-service) Pack & load on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck $49–$118 (around 60% less than full-service) Lowest upfront cost You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only $75/hr Need a loading crew & already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 99+ Ohio movers reviewed.

How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Akron?

Moving from Cleveland to Akron costs between $40 and $4,240, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 38-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:

  • Full-service movers: $457–$4,240
  • Moving containers: $121–$1,502
  • Rental trucks: $40–$153

What drives the cost difference?

  • Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
  • Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
  • Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 38 miles and bring your own labor.
  • moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $457–$1,359 $121–$863 $40–$93
2–3 bedrooms $868–$2,570 $376–$1,109 $49–$118
4+ bedrooms $1,382–$4,240 $775–$1,502 $62–$153

*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 99+ Ohio moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

What extra fees should you expect on a Cleveland to Akron move?

The most common extra fees on a Cleveland to Akron move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.

Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:

Extra cost Typical range Applies to
Professional packing $0.15–$0.21 per pound Full-service movers
Loading labor $75/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Fuel surcharge $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges Full-service movers
Shuttle service $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum Full-service movers
Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) $75–$500+ Full-service movers
Storage-in-transit ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) Full-service movers
Bulky-item handling $150–$400 per item Full-service movers
Equipment rental $50–$200 Rental trucks
Added valuation coverage 1–2% of declared value All move types

Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.

Best movers from Cleveland to Akron

Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Cleveland to Akron, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 38 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.

Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics

Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Cleveland to Akron. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Ohio, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 38 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.

moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
  3. North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
  4. Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
  5. Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Akron to Cleveland guide.

How does Akron compare to Cleveland?

Cost of living: Cleveland vs. Akron

Cost-of-living differences between Cleveland and Akron extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Akron compares to Cleveland.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Cleveland Akron
Average rent cost $1,295 $950
Average home cost $96,509 $111,626
Average income (per capita) $39,187 $48,544
Cost of living (single person) $2,490 $1,543
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,729 $4,120
Unemployment rate 6.8% 6.9%
Average sales tax 8.0% 6.75%

Cost-of-living data for Cleveland and Akron comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 99+ Ohio cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.

  • Rent prices in Akron are 27% lower than in Cleveland. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
  • Home prices in Akron are 16% higher than Cleveland. Plan for a larger down payment, higher monthly carry, and a longer path to comparable home equity.
  • Average income in Akron is 24% higher than Cleveland. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
  • Living expenses for one person in Akron are 38% lower than Cleveland. Use the gap to accelerate financial goals you previously delayed.
  • Cost of living for a family of 4 in Akron is 39% lower than Cleveland. Lower costs free up budget for a larger home, a shorter commute, or higher household savings.
  • Unemployment rates match in Akron and Cleveland. Use Cleveland hiring timelines as a baseline for Akron planning.
  • Sales taxes in Akron are 16% lower than Cleveland. Time big-ticket purchases for after the move when possible.

If you live on $3,000 a month in Cleveland, you'd need roughly $1,860 to maintain the same lifestyle in Akron.

How life is different in Cleveland vs. Akron

Life in Akron compared to Cleveland differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.

Cleveland Akron
Population 372,624 190,469
Political leaning Republican 55-43 Democratic 54-44
Summer high 82ºF 83ºF
Winter low 22ºF 20ºF
Annual rain 38" 38"
Annual snow 54" 42"
Crime index 63.41 5.0
  • Akron is 49% smaller in size than Cleveland. Expect lower housing costs and easier mobility, with tradeoffs on niche dining, retail, and industry concentration.
  • In the last presidential election, Akron leaned Democratic, while Cleveland leaned Republican.
  • Summer highs in Akron (83°F) match Cleveland (82°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
  • Winter lows in Cleveland (22°F) and Akron (20°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
  • Annual rainfall in Cleveland (38 inches) and Akron (38 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
  • Annual snowfall in Cleveland is 54 inches, vs. 42 inches in Akron. Lower snow load reduces winter gear, plowing, and heating costs.
  • Crime index in Akron (5.0) is lower than Cleveland (63.41). Lower crime rates usually accompany lower insurance premiums and a broader housing search.

Things to do in Akron

Akron offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.

Museums in Akron

  • Akron Art Museum
  • Akron Children's Museum
  • Nativity Museum and replica of Bethlehem's cave

Parks in Akron

  • F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
  • Portage Lakes State Park
  • Cascade Valley Park
  • Springfield Lake Park

Sports teams in Akron

  • Akron RubberDucks (Baseball-Eastern League)
  • Akron Zips (MAC)

Universities in Akron

  • University of Akron Main Campus
  • Herzing University Akron Campus
  • Brown Mackie College Akron
  • Ohio College of Massotherapy Inc

Final verdict: best movers from Cleveland to Akron

Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Cleveland to Akron, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Ohio service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.

For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $40–$4,240 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 99+ Ohio movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.

FAQs about moving from Cleveland to Akron

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Cleveland to Akron?

A full-service move from Cleveland to Akron costs $375–$1,177 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $868 to $2,570, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Cleveland to Akron costs from $1,382 to $4,240.

How much are moving container companies from Cleveland to Akron?

Moving containers from Cleveland to Akron cost $114–$838 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $376 and $1,109. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $775–$1,502.

How much is a moving truck from Cleveland to Akron?

A rental moving truck from Cleveland to Akron costs $37–$94 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $49–$118. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $62–$153.

Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.

How far in advance should I book Cleveland-to-Akron movers?

Book your movers for a Cleveland to Akron move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Akron?

The cheapest moving deals to Akron fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.