Is Moving in Ohio Really Less Stressful? What a New Ranking Reveals

Ohio has just landed a somewhat surprising spot in a new national ranking that looked at how stressful it is to live and move in each state, factoring in everything from traffic and commutes to housing and the moving process itself. Instead of showing up as one of the most stressful places, Ohio sits right in the middle of the pack—around 25th out of 50 states for “moving stress”—which means it is more relaxed than many higher‑cost, high‑traffic states, but not quite as low‑stress as some smaller or more rural markets. For anyone thinking about a move in or to Northeast Ohio, that middle‑of‑the‑road ranking lines up with what many residents already feel day to day: traffic is manageable, housing is relatively affordable, and while moving is never easy, the process here tends to be more predictable than in many big coastal metros.

The ranking draws on data that looks at quality‑of‑life factors tied directly to stress, such as commute times, congestion, housing costs, cost of living, and the logistics of relocating. Ohio’s transportation system, including key corridors through Northeast Ohio, does experience congestion, but studies show that overall travel times and traffic “stress tests” are more moderate than in the country’s most gridlocked regions. At the same time, Ohio stands out for its comparatively affordable home prices and living costs; while property taxes can be higher than average, lower purchase prices and reasonable everyday expenses help keep overall financial strain in check for many households. Add in a mix of growing metros like Cleveland, Akron, and Columbus plus more laid‑back smaller cities, and you end up with a state that offers options for people looking to balance opportunity with a calmer daily pace.

For movers specifically, the “less stressful” label reflects both cost and logistics. Ohio continues to attract a steady mix of new residents of all ages, from young professionals to retirees, drawn by the combination of job opportunities, cultural amenities, and attainable housing. Because home prices and rents are less intense than in many coastal markets, buyers are often under less pressure to stretch their budgets to the limit, which can take some of the edge off the moving experience. On top of that, with a wide range of reputable moving companies operating in the state—and transparent pricing from major carriers—planning a move here can feel more straightforward than in places where demand far outstrips capacity.

Of course, “less stressful” does not mean stress‑free. Some Ohio cities, including Cleveland and Akron, still show up on national lists of more stressed urban areas when factors like financial pressure and health and safety are measured at the city level rather than the state level. That contrast helps explain why Ohio lands in the middle nationally: it blends very affordable, calm communities with larger cities still working through economic and quality‑of‑life challenges. For anyone considering a move within or to Ohio, the big takeaway is that the state offers a relatively balanced environment—reasonable commutes, more accessible housing, and a moving process that, while never completely hassle‑free, tends to be more manageable than in many of the country’s most stressed‑out markets.