Moving from Birmingham, AL to Dayton, OH
Relocating 517 mi from Birmingham to Dayton is a 9h 42m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
517 mi · 9h 42m by car · AL → TN → KY → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → TN → KY → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 71, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Birmingham and Dayton sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Dayton ($136,592) sits close to Birmingham ($135,870) — no material housing gap.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Birmingham | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 41.7" |
Expect 10.6°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.36 |
Household income lines up — $44,376 vs $43,454 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.6°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
What is the climate difference between Birmingham and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 63.9°F in Birmingham (10.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 1.4 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 56.6 in.
How far is Dayton, OH from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 517 mi and the route typically takes 9h 42m via I 65 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 517 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $44,376 in Birmingham — a 2.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 1.1% higher than Birmingham (92.694 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $135,870 in Birmingham — a 0.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL · Dayton, OH.