Columbus to Akron Movers & Costs (2026)
Fact Checked by:
A Columbus to Akron, OH move (~125 miles) starts around $138 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $4,725 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as MVM Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.86 out of 5 stars across 257 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $145/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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
September availability is going fast in Columbus
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 Columbus to Akron?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Columbus to Akron are regulated by Ohio law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Ohio intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Ohio companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend MVM Moving & Storage (4.86/5) as the top local pick, followed by All American Moving and Storage (4.7/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Columbus to Akron moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 103+ Ohio movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Akron?
A move from Columbus to Akron runs $138 to $4,725*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $662 - $4,725
- Moving containers: $734 - $2,115
- Rental trucks: $138 - $299
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $662 - $3,154 | $734 - $1,285 | $138 - $220 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,173 - $3,568 | $951 - $1,714 | $137 - $262 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,653 - $4,725 | $1,269 - $2,115 | $180 - $299 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 103+ Ohio moving companies, and are updated as of September 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 Columbus, OH movers.
How Columbus to Akron moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $145 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,740.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 30% of Columbus movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 23% of Columbus movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 Columbus to Akron
Moving from Columbus to Akron is a job for local and regional Ohio movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. MVM Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.86 out of 5 stars across 257 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Columbus to Akron
Local movers operating within Ohio know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.86/5 stars): 96.9% positive customer ratings.
- All American Moving and Storage (4.7/5 stars): 90.0% positive customer ratings.
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage (4.66/5 stars): 92.2% positive customer ratings.
- Integrity Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars): 93.7% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.62/5 stars): 83.1% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 30 movers in Columbus, drawing on 5,121 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Columbus to Akron
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our 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.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Columbus, OH
Columbus residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Ohio moving resources
How does Akron compare to Columbus?
Cost of living: Columbus vs. Akron
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Columbus and Akron comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 103+ Ohio moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Akron are 34% lower than in Columbus. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Akron are 52% lower than Columbus. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Akron is 26% lower than Columbus. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Akron is 45% lower than Columbus. The savings typically free up 45% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Akron is 43% lower than Columbus. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Akron runs 21% higher than Columbus. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Akron are 10% lower than Columbus. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
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
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Akron might look different from Columbus in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Ohio can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 47% of movers in Ohio, vs 33% nationally).
- Akron is 79% smaller in size than Columbus. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Akron voted Democratic and Columbus voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Akron (83°F) match Columbus (85°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Columbus (21°F) and Akron (20°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Columbus (40 inches) and Akron (38 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Akron is 42 inches, vs. 22 inches in Columbus. Plan for snow tires, plowing services, and a longer winter season.
- Crime index in Akron (5.0) is lower than Columbus (49.65). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Akron
Akron balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of 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: Columbus to Akron movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Ohio service. For smaller moves, MVM Moving & Storage (4.86/5) is the top local choice, with 96.9% positive reviews across 257 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $138 - $4,725, based on our analysis of 103+ Ohio movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Columbus to Akron
How many movers in Columbus offer labor-only help?
43% of movers in Columbus offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 53% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How long does a move from Columbus to Akron take?
Most moves from Columbus to Akron take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
Is moving from Columbus to Akron considered a long-distance move?
A move from Columbus to Akron is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Ohio law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Ohio intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Akron?
The cheapest time to move to Akron is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
