Moving from Montgomery, AL to Akron, OH
A move from Montgomery, AL to Akron, OH covers 789 mi and around 14h 45m 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.
789 mi Β· 14h 45m 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, US 82 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Cincinnati, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Montgomery (89.682) and Akron (93.37) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Akron ZHVI at $137,894 is 4.1% below Montgomery at $151,228.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 32.5" |
Major climate step-down: 15.6Β°F cooler annual average in Akron vs Montgomery.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Akron is 4.1% below Montgomery ($55,687 β $48,544, ACS 2023).
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 (15.6Β°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
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 789 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Akron more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 4.1% higher than Montgomery (93.37 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 8.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 12.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Akron, OH from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 789 mi and the route typically takes 14h 45m via I 65 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Akron, OH.