Moving from Columbus to Akron, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Columbus to Akron costs between $149 to $5,423 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 125-mile route within Ohio take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Columbus to Akron
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Columbus to Akron are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Columbus to driving and unloading in Akron, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 125 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,416 - $4,012 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,060 - $1,968 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $159 - $286 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Herlihy Moving & Storage | $145/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Akron?
It costs between $149 to $5,423 to move from Columbus to Akron. The prices below break down your 125-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $784 - $5,423
- Moving containers: $809 - $2,261
- Rental trucks: $149 - $324
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $784 - $3,344 | $809 - $1,361 | $149 - $262 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,416 - $4,012 | $1,060 - $1,968 | $159 - $286 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,974 - $5,423 | $1,442 - $2,261 | $207 - $324 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $273 - $2,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $145/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $65/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $182 - $728 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $182 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Columbus to Akron
At 125 miles, your Columbus to Akron move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Columbus to Akron. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Ohio, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 125 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
MVM Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Columbus to Akron. They've been in business since 2005 (21 years of experience) and 96.9% of their 257 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Akron to Columbus guide.
Considerations when moving from Columbus to Akron
Cost of living: Columbus vs. Akron
When comparing the cost of living between Columbus and Akron, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Akron stacks up against Columbus.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbus | Akron | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,441 | $950 |
| Average home cost | $233,368 | $111,626 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,327 | $48,544 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,784 | $1,543 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,249 | $4,120 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 6.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.5% | 6.75% |
- Rent in Akron is about 34% cheaper than in Columbus, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Akron are 52% lower than in Columbus, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Akron is 26% lower than in Columbus. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Akron is 45% lower than in Columbus. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Akron is 43% lower than in Columbus. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Akron is 21% higher than in Columbus. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Sales taxes are about 10% cheaper in Akron than in Columbus, which can lighten your cost of living if you tend to spend more on taxable goods and services.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,650 in Akron to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Akron
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Akron vs. Columbus. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Columbus | Akron | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 190,469 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-14 | Democratic 54-44 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 20ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 22" | 42" |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 5.0 |
Akron sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Akron has about 79% fewer people than Columbus. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Akron leaned Democratic, while Columbus went Republican.
- Both Akron and Columbus average summer highs close to 83°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Columbus and Akron experience similar winter lows, with Columbus reaching 21°F and Akron getting down to 20°F.
- Both Columbus and Akron see about the same yearly rainfall—Columbus averages 40 inches, while Akron gets 38 inches each year.
- On average, Akron gets more snowfall than Columbus, with 42 inches each year compared to Columbus’s 22.
- Akron is safer than Columbus, boasting a lower crime index of 5.0 compared to Columbus’s 49.65.
Things to do in Akron
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Akron has you covered.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Columbus to Akron?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Columbus to Akron, expect to pay between $699 and $2,780 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,416 and $4,012. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,974 up to $5,423 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Columbus to Akron?
If you’re moving from Columbus to Akron and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $602 and go up to $1,411. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,060 and $1,968. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,442 and $2,261.
How much is a moving truck from Columbus to Akron?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $157 to $247. A larger move will cost $159 to $286, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Columbus to Akron costs from $207 to $324.
How far in advance should I book Columbus-to-Akron movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Columbus to Akron at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Columbus-to-Akron movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Akron?
To save money on your move to Akron, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
