Moving from Mobile, AL to Akron, OH
Relocating 953 mi from Mobile to Akron is a 17h 39m 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.
953 mi Β· 17h 39m 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 76 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.0% above Mobile β 88.098 β 93.37 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 32.5" |
Annual average temperature gap of 16.8Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.26 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.0% lower in Akron than Mobile.
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-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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.8Β°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 far is Akron, OH from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 953 mi and the route typically takes 17h 39m via I 65 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 29.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 953 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 5.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Akron more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 6.0% higher than Mobile (93.37 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 169,730 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 Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Akron, OH.