Key factors that influence moving costs from Akron to Washington DC
What to know before moving from Akron to Washington DC
Moving from Akron to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than Akron, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Akron | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $950 | $2,400 |
Average home value | $121,327 | $594,337 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,971 | $101,722 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,543 | $3,963 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,120 | $11,093 |
Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 7.0% |
Sales tax | 6.75% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 3.5% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Washington DC are 153% higher than in Akron, which means youโll have less 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 Washington DC are 389.9% higher than in Akron. - Income in Washington DC is 64.1% higher than in Akron, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Washington DC include Department of Homeland Security, US Navy, and United States Postal Service.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Washington DC, since the cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 156.8% higher than in Akron. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Washington DC, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 169.2% higher than in Akron.
- The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 1.45% higher than in Akron.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the cityโs sales taxes in Washington DC are 11.11% lower than in Akron.
- State income taxes in Washington DC are 64.29% higher than in Akron.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,705.12 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Akron.
How life is different in Akron vs. Washington DC
Washington DC | Akron | |
---|---|---|
Population | 705,749 | 190,469 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 5 |
Walkability score | 77 | 48 |
Bike friendliness score | 70 | 43 |
Crime Index | 60.37 | 5.0 |
Safety Index | 39.63 | 50.39 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Washington DC is about 271% greater than Akron, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than Akron, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 5 in Akron. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Washington DC means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Akron. Washington DC is considered more walkable than Akron, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 48 out of 100 in Akron. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Washington DC is considered more bike-friendly than Akron in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, while Akron is rated as 43 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Washington DC is higher than in Akron, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 60.37 in Washington DC, it is 5.0 in Akron. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Washington DC. With a crime index of 39.63, Washington DC ranks lower in overall safety than Akron, whose index is Akron's 50.39. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Washington DC has better air quality than in Akron. Washington DC has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Akron. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Akron vs. Washington DC move
- Weather: Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Maryland, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toWashington DC Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Washington DC
Now that youโve chosen "DC" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Washington DC to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Adams Morgan
- Capitol Hill
- Cleveland Park
- Foggy Bottom
- Logan Circle
Best neighborhoods for families
- AU-Tenleytown
- Chevy Chase
- Cleveland Park
- Georgetown
- The Palisades
Things to do in Washington DC
After settling into your new Maryland home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Washington DC has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Washington DC is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Air and Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island 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 Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Mystics (WNBA), or D.C. Untied (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Akron to Washington DC?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Akron to Washington DC. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Akron.
When is the cheapest time to move from Akron to Washington DC?
Because spring and fall moves from Akron to Washington DC are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Akron to Washington DC take?
Covering 344 miles, the move from Akron, OH to Washington DC, MD typically takes one to four days. Some Akron movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWashington DC can help bridge the gap.