Akron to Cleveland Movers & Costs (2026)
Fact Checked by:
Moving from Akron to Cleveland, OH (~39 miles) typically costs $38–$4,065, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Local movers such as Summit Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 269 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $80/hr per mover, with a typical 2–3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
July availability is going fast in Akron
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20–30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Akron to Cleveland?
At 39 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most Ohio companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend Summit Moving & Storage (4.58/5) as the top local pick, followed by Move It Now (4.52/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 39-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Summit Moving & Storage | $902–$2,924 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $387–$1,212 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $51–$129 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Move It Now | $80/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 Akron to Cleveland?
Moving from Akron to Cleveland costs between $38 and $4,065, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 39-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $504–$4,065
- Moving containers: $122–$1,611
- Rental trucks: $38–$160
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 39 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 | $504–$1,399 | $122–$880 | $38–$104 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $902–$2,924 | $387–$1,212 | $51–$129 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,437–$4,065 | $865–$1,611 | $65–$160 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 99+ Ohio moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 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.
Learn more about the cost of Akron, OH movers.
What extra fees should you expect on a Akron to Cleveland move?
The most common extra fees on a Akron to Cleveland 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 | $80/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 Akron to Cleveland
At 39 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional Ohio movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. Summit Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 269 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers for this route
Local movers operating within Ohio specialize in intrastate logistics, Ohio regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 39 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 33 Akron movers drawing on 5,280 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- Summit Moving & Storage at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 269 verified reviews. 85.5% of customers rate them positively.
- Move It Now at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 236 verified reviews. 93.6% of customers rate them positively.
- Blue Men Moving LLC at 4.42 out of 5 stars across 239 verified reviews. 98.7% of customers rate them positively.
- The Armstrong Company at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 30 verified reviews. 86.7% of customers rate them positively.
- Andrews Moving & Storage Co at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 247 verified reviews. 81.0% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More popular routes from Akron, OH
Akron residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Ohio moving resources
What to know about moving from Akron to Cleveland
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because Akron and Cleveland are both in Ohio, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Ohio law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Ohio movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Ohio intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Ohio, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Ohio intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 39 miles, most Akron-to-Cleveland moves complete in – days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in Akron and Cleveland commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Ohio summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Ohio expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a Akron to Cleveland move:
- Verify your mover holds Ohio intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cleveland to Akron guide.
How does Cleveland compare to Akron?
Cost of living: Akron vs. Cleveland
Cost-of-living differences between Akron and Cleveland 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 Cleveland compares to Akron.
Check out how the 2 cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Akron | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $950 | $1,295 |
| Average home cost | $111,626 | $96,509 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,544 | $39,187 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,543 | $2,490 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,120 | $6,729 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 6.8% |
| Average sales tax | 6.75% | 8.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Akron and Cleveland comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 99+ Ohio cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Cleveland are 36% higher than in Akron. The gap is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or housing tradeoffs.
- Home prices in Cleveland are 14% lower than Akron. Apply the savings to a larger property, a shorter mortgage, or higher equity at purchase.
- Average income in Cleveland is 19% lower than Akron. The shift only nets favorably if local cost of living is meaningfully cheaper.
- Living expenses for one person in Cleveland are 61% higher than Akron. The premium is most visible in housing and dining out.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Cleveland runs 63% higher than Akron. A household on a single income may need a corresponding raise to maintain the same lifestyle.
- Unemployment rates match in Cleveland and Akron. Use Akron hiring timelines as a baseline for Cleveland planning.
- Sales tax in Cleveland runs 19% higher than Akron. Time large purchases before the move if logistics allow.
If you live on $3,000 a month in Akron, you'd need roughly $4,830 to maintain the same lifestyle in Cleveland.
How life is different in Akron vs. Cleveland
Life in Cleveland compared to Akron 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.
| Akron | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,469 | 372,624 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 54-44 | Republican 55-43 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF | 22ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 42" | 54" |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 63.41 |
- Cleveland is 96% larger in size than Akron. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, Cleveland leaned Republican, while Akron leaned Democratic.
- Summer highs in Cleveland (82°F) match Akron (83°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in Akron (20°F) and Cleveland (22°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
- Annual rainfall in Akron (38 inches) and Cleveland (38 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Cleveland runs 54 inches, vs. 42 inches in Akron. The heavier snow load raises winter expenses and reshapes commuting habits.
- Crime index in Cleveland (63.41) is higher than Akron (5.0). Property crime risk and home insurance premiums may both run higher.
Things to do in Cleveland
Cleveland offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in Cleveland
- A Christmas Story House
- African American Museum
- ARTneo
- Artists Archives of the Western Reserve
- Baseball Heritage Museum
Parks in Cleveland
- Edgewater Park
- Cleveland Metroparks
- Cleveland Botanical Garden
- Rocky River Reservation
- Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse
Sports teams in Cleveland
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
- Cleveland Charge NBA G-League)
- Cleveland Crunch (MASL2)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
Universities in Cleveland
- Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
- Cleveland State University (CSU)
- Cuyahoga Community College
- Ohio Technical College
- Baldwin Wallace University
Final verdict: best movers from Akron to Cleveland
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Akron to Cleveland, 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 smaller homes and apartment moves, Summit Moving & Storage (4.58 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 85.5% positive reviews across 269 verified customer reviews.
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 $38–$4,065 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 Akron to Cleveland
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Akron to Cleveland?
A full-service move from Akron to Cleveland costs $386–$1,237 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $902 to $2,924, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Akron to Cleveland costs from $1,437 to $4,065.
How much are moving container companies from Akron to Cleveland?
Moving containers from Akron to Cleveland cost $117–$805 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $387 and $1,212. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $865–$1,611.
How much is a moving truck from Akron to Cleveland?
A rental moving truck from Akron to Cleveland costs $41–$99 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $51–$129. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $65–$160.
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 Akron-to-Cleveland movers?
Book your movers for a Akron to Cleveland 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. Intrastate movers in Ohio can often guarantee same-day or next-day delivery on this route once a booking is confirmed.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Cleveland?
The cheapest moving deals to Cleveland 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.
Is moving from Akron to Cleveland considered a long-distance move?
A move from Akron to Cleveland is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Ohio, so Ohio law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 39 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Ohio intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from Akron to Cleveland take?
Most moves from Akron to Cleveland take – days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 39 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
