Moving from Akron, OH to Birmingham, AL
Relocating 696 mi from Akron to Birmingham is a 13h 2m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
696 mi Β· 13h 2m by car Β· AL β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 71, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Akron and Birmingham sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Birmingham ($135,870) sits close to Akron ($137,894) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 56.6" |
Expect 11.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 1.4 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.25 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.8% lower in Birmingham than Akron.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Birmingham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 63,490 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 51,190 | $38,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 51,120 | $34,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,990 | $26,920 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 41,870 | $64,700 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Birmingham average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Birmingham averages 56.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Akron vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $48,544 in Akron β a 8.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 696 mi and the route typically takes 13h 2m via I 65 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 1.8% lower than Akron (91.644 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $137,894 in Akron β a 1.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Birmingham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 696 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Birmingham, AL.