Moving from Birmingham, AL to Akron, OH
Relocating 696 mi from Birmingham to Akron 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
| Birmingham | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.644 vs 93.37 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
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $135,870 vs $137,894.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Birmingham | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 32.5" |
Expect 11.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.26 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.9% higher in Akron than Birmingham.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Akron MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 39,390 | $41,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 35,340 | $38,160 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 28,050 | $35,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,940 | $28,550 |
| Production Occupations | 25,300 | $41,600 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $135,870 in Birmingham β a 1.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $44,376 in Birmingham β a 9.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 1.9% higher than Birmingham (93.37 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Akron?
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.
How far is Akron, OH from Birmingham, AL?
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.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL Β· Akron, OH.