Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Akron
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Akron
Moving from Des Moines to Akron means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Des Moines than in Akron, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Des Moines compares to Akron so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Des Moines | Akron | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $950 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $121,327 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $61,971 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,891 | $1,543 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,380 | $4,120 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.75% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Akron are 17% lower than in Des Moines, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Akron.
Home prices in Akron are 36.9% lower than in Des Moines. - Income in Akron is 5.9% higher than in Des Moines, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Akron include Goodyear, Signet Jewelers, and Sterling Jewelry.
- The cost of living for a single person in Akron is 18.4% lower than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Akron is 5.9% lower than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Akron is 16.95% higher than in Des Moines.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Akron, since the cityโs sales taxes in Akron are 3.57% lower than in Des Moines.
- One perk of moving to Akron is paying less in state income taxes, which are 20.45% lower than in Des Moines.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,447.91 in Akron to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Akron
| Akron | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,469 | 699,292 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 39 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Safety Index | 50.39 | 57.8 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Akron's population is about 73% less than Des Moines.
- Akron's public transportation has a similar score to Des Moines.
- Akron and Des Moines are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 43 out of 100, Akron is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Akron and Des Moines have a similar crime rate.
- Akron is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 50.39 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Akron is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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 youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre 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 singles
- Highland Square
- Downtown Akron
- Merriman Valley
- North Hill
- Wallhaven
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Akron
- Merriman Valley
- Fairlawn Heights
- Wallhaven
- Highland Square
Things to do in Akron
After settling into your new Ohio home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Akron has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Des Moines to Akron?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Akron is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Akron?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Akron take?
The 684-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Akron, OH, takes one to six days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Akron.
