Moving from Akron, OH to Tuscaloosa, AL
Relocating 750 mi from Akron to Tuscaloosa is a 13h 57m 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.
750 mi Β· 13h 57m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 71, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Tuscaloosa at 87.722 vs Akron at 93.37.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $137,894 to $228,947 moving to Tuscaloosa.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 57.3" |
Expect 12.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.68 |
Median household incomes in Akron ($48,544) and Tuscaloosa ($48,536) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tuscaloosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 15,750 | $48,310 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 9,940 | $37,980 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,860 | $25,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,250 | $36,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,780 | $29,460 |
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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see 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 Tuscaloosa 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: Tuscaloosa averages 57.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.0Β°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 much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $137,894 in Akron β a 66.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 750 mi and the route typically takes 13h 57m via I 65 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tuscaloosa compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 103,520 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 6.0% lower than Akron (87.722 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 750 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· Tuscaloosa, AL.