Moving from Akron, OH to Huntsville, AL
Relocating 615 mi from Akron to Huntsville is a 11h 42m 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.
615 mi Β· 11h 42m by car Β· AL β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 71, I 65, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Huntsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 93.072 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 83.931 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 77.946 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.37 vs 93.072 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $137,894 to $287,569 moving to Huntsville.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Huntsville +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 54.3" |
Expect 10.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Huntsville averages 2.4 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 218,814 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $70,778 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.33 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.3% β $48,544 β $70,778 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Huntsville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,600 | $39,750 |
| Production Occupations | 22,310 | $44,450 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,530 | $38,160 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 20,460 | $94,520 |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | 19,870 | $107,930 |
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 Huntsville average 92Β°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: Huntsville averages 54.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.6Β°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 Huntsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,778 in Huntsville vs $48,544 in Akron β a 45.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Huntsville more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntsville is 0.3% lower than Akron (93.072 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Huntsville compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $287,569 in Huntsville vs $137,894 in Akron β a 108.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Huntsville compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 250,940 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Huntsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 615 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Huntsville, AL from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 615 mi and the route typically takes 11h 42m via I 71 and I 65. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Huntsville, AL.