If you are weighing a move to Massillon but plan to work in Canton, Akron, or even Cleveland, the commute is part of the price of the home. This guide helps you run the numbers, factor in time, and decide if living in Massillon delivers the best overall value for your life.
Why Commute Economics Matter
Massillon sits in western Stark County, about 8 miles from Canton, roughly 20 miles from Akron, and about 50 to 57 miles from Cleveland according to the city’s geographic profile. Many residents work nearby, and the average one‑way commute for Massillon is about 21.8 minutes, which is shorter than many larger Ohio metros per U.S. Census QuickFacts. With that baseline, you can compare housing savings in Massillon to the real cost of getting to work.
Time Versus Money Tradeoffs
Your commute costs more than gas. Time is valuable too. Start by assigning a simple value to your time, like your hourly wage or a personal number you use to protect family time. If a commute adds 20 minutes each way, that is about 1 hour per day. Multiply by commuting days per month to see the time “cost.”
- Example: 1 hour per day x 20 workdays = 20 hours. If you value your time at 20 dollars per hour, that is a 400 dollar monthly time cost to compare with any housing savings.
Transportation Modes and Expenses
Driving costs include fuel, maintenance, tires, insurance, depreciation, and sometimes parking. A simple way to estimate per‑mile cost is to use published benchmarks. The IRS standard mileage rate for business reimbursement is 70 cents per mile in 2025 per the IRS. AAA’s consumer estimate for ownership and operating can be around 31 cents per mile for a typical new vehicle, depending on the car and assumptions based on AAA’s cost of driving guide.
Transit is an option on some routes. Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) runs buses through Massillon with links to Canton, Akron, and the airport area, but door‑to‑door transit is limited outside main corridors. Check current routes and schedules before you count on it via SARTA.
Schedule and Flexibility Factors
Hybrid work reduces the number of commuting days, which changes your budget. Flex start times can help you avoid peak traffic on I‑77 and key local roads. Shift work may mean less congestion but fewer transit choices. Plan around your schedule, not just the map.
How Commute Costs Add Up
You can estimate commute time and money with a few local distance markers.
- Canton: about 8 miles, often 15 to 25 minutes depending on where you live in Massillon per city context
- Akron: roughly 20 to 25 miles, often 30 to 40 minutes in normal traffic using SR‑21 or I‑77 see typical distance guidance
- Akron–Canton Regional Airport: around 10 to 12 miles, about 20 to 25 minutes per distance tools
- Cleveland: about 50 to 57 miles, often near 1 hour or more at peak per city overview
To translate distance into monthly cost, use round‑trip miles x commuting days x a per‑mile rate.
- Example: 20 miles round trip x 22 workdays = 440 miles per month.
- At 31 cents per mile, that is about 136.40 dollars per month.
- At 70 cents per mile, that is about 308 dollars per month.
Add parking, tolls if any, and incidentals. Then add your time value to see the full picture.
Housing Savings Versus Travel Spend
Massillon often delivers strong price‑to‑space value compared with some nearby cities. Many buyers choose Massillon for a larger yard, garage, or newer mechanicals while working in Canton or Akron. The key is to compare the housing benefit to your monthly travel spend.
Space and Price Tradeoffs
List the features that matter to you: extra bedroom, home office, fenced yard, or workshop. Put a dollar value on those features if you can. If a Massillon home gives you a two‑car garage and an office that you would not afford closer to work, that may outweigh a modest increase in commute cost.
Taxes, Insurance, and Utilities
Do not forget property taxes, homeowners insurance, and utilities. These can shift your total monthly housing cost. A lower mortgage with higher utilities could cancel out part of the savings, so include each item in your comparison.
Parking and Daily Friction Costs
If you work at a hospital or downtown, check for parking costs, permit availability, and shuttle options. Many Stark County employers provide parking, but rules vary. Transit park‑and‑ride may lower costs in some cases see SARTA’s service overview. Also watch for small daily costs that add up, like paid coffee stops or meals when long drives cut into home cooking time.
Build a Realistic Commuter Budget
Your goal is a single monthly number that blends housing and commute.
Monthly Cost Worksheet
- Housing costs
- Principal and interest
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- HOA, if any
- Average utilities
- Commute costs
- Round‑trip miles x commuting days x per‑mile rate
- Parking or permits
- Occasional rideshare, carpool costs
- Maintenance set‑aside for tires, oil, and repairs
- Time value
- Extra commute minutes per day x commuting days = monthly hours
- Monthly hours x your personal hourly value
- Compare scenarios
- Massillon home A + commute to Canton
- Massillon home B + commute to Akron
- Closer‑in home + shorter commute
- Pick the lowest total monthly cost that also matches your lifestyle needs.
Sensitivity to Price Fluctuations
Stress test your plan. Model gas at 20 percent higher and lower. Add 10 percent to miles for errands and detours. Include a parking increase or a tire replacement month. If the plan still works in the worst case, you will feel confident.
Hidden and Opportunity Costs
Depreciation is real, especially on newer vehicles. Longer commutes can pull forward maintenance like brakes and tires. On the positive side, a workable home office can reduce commuting days, which cuts cost and time. Track both sides to keep perspective.
Neighborhood Fit for Commuters
The right neighborhood can reduce time and stress even if the distance is the same.
Access and Connectivity
Massillon is served by US‑30, US‑62, SR‑21, SR‑172, SR‑236, and SR‑241. I‑77 is reachable via SR‑21 and other connectors per the city’s road network summary. Look for neighborhoods with multiple ways to reach your route so you can avoid incident traffic.
Daily Routine and Amenities
Map your life along your route: schools, childcare, groceries, gym, and medical care. Small detours each day add up to hours per month. If you use transit on some days, confirm service frequency and timing for your specific shift with SARTA.
Lifestyle and Schedule Alignment
If you start early, noise near major roads may not bother you. If you work late, prioritize safe, well‑lit access and easy parking. If you plan to telework part‑time, make space at home for a quiet workstation to cut drive days.
Make Your Decision with Data
Numbers and real‑world tests will point you to the right choice.
Side‑by‑Side Scenario Comparison
Build two or three complete scenarios using the worksheet. Keep your assumptions the same across each option. The clear winner usually shows up when you compare total monthly cost and time.
Mapping and Timing Tools
Test your routes on weekdays at your actual commute time. Track average and worst‑case times for a week. Peak‑period delays on I‑77 and I‑76 can be significant during incidents or weather as local traffic advisories note. Use your own data to set expectations.
When Time Outweighs Space
Choose a shorter commute if you have long shifts, caregiving needs, or if burnout is a real risk. A smaller home closer to work may be worth it if it returns several hours a week to your family.
Work With a Local Pro
A fast, region‑wide search that filters by commute and value can save you weeks.
Shortlist by Commute and Value
A local agent can align your budget with neighborhoods that offer strong access to SR‑21, US‑30, and I‑77, then layer in schools and amenities. They can also flag streets with easier peak access and identify parking realities around major employers.
Commute‑Tested Tour Planning
Tour at real commute times. If Canton is your work hub, drive the route from the property to your workplace at 7 a.m. and again at 5 p.m. If you fly often, add a test drive to Akron–Canton Regional Airport route basics here. Real drives beat estimates.
Negotiation for Commuter Priorities
Use inspection and appraisal timelines to confirm your commute assumptions. Negotiate credits for needed repairs that could hit your vehicle budget, and consider a rate buydown if it improves your all‑in monthly cost more than a small price reduction.
Next Steps to Move Forward
- Build your monthly worksheet and stress test it.
- Test your top two routes during real commute windows.
- Compare at least two Massillon homes to one closer‑in option using the same math.
- When you are ready, we will help you lock in the best fit for your budget and commute.
If you want a quick, commute‑smart shortlist, connect with Aiden Avtgis. We will align listings with your routes, schedule commute‑tested tours, and help you negotiate a monthly number that works. Request a tour today.
FAQs
How long is the average Massillon commute?
- The mean one‑way travel time is about 21.8 minutes according to the latest multi‑year Census estimate U.S. Census QuickFacts.
Is commuting from Massillon to Canton or Akron realistic?
- Yes. Canton is roughly 15 to 25 minutes for many residents. Akron is often 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and route distance context.
What are the main roads I would use?
- US‑30, US‑62, SR‑21, SR‑172, and connections to I‑77 are common for regional trips see the city’s road network overview.
Can I take transit from Massillon?
- SARTA runs fixed routes through Massillon with links to Canton, Akron, and the airport area. Check current schedules and trip planners for your shift SARTA.
How do I estimate my monthly commute cost?
- Multiply round‑trip miles by commuting days and a per‑mile rate. For a simple benchmark, you can use 31 cents per mile from AAA or 70 cents per mile from the IRS for a business valuation, then add parking and your time value IRS and AAA.
What if I only commute 2 to 3 days a week?
- Hybrid work lowers your monthly miles and time cost. Recalculate using fewer commute days and see how the results change. Many households find Massillon more attractive with hybrid schedules see Census guidance on commuting trends.
Are there airports nearby for business travel?
- Akron–Canton Regional Airport is about 10 to 12 miles from Massillon and often 20 to 25 minutes by car airport overview.
