Moving from Birmingham, AL to Cleveland, OH
A move from Birmingham, AL to Cleveland, OH covers 711 mi and around 13h 11m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
711 mi Β· 13h 11m 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 264 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Cleveland and Birmingham is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cleveland is 2.5% below Birmingham ($115,537 vs $135,870 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Birmingham | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 33.3" |
Cleveland is 11.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (63.9Β°F vs 52.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.18 |
Median household income in Cleveland is 2.5% below Birmingham ($44,376 β $39,187, ACS 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 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 (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 far is Cleveland, OH from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 711 mi and the route typically takes 13h 11m 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 Cleveland compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $135,870 in Birmingham β a 15.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $44,376 in Birmingham β a 11.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 711 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 2.5% higher than Birmingham (93.923 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL Β· Cleveland, OH.