Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Dayton, OH
Relocating 573 mi from Tuscaloosa to Dayton is a 10h 44m 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.
573 mi Β· 10h 44m 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 75, SR 4 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati, Murfreesboro, Huntsville, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.7% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $228,947 to $136,592 moving to Dayton.
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 41.7" |
Expect 11.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.7% lower in Dayton than Tuscaloosa.
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
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.0Β°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
Is Dayton more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 5.7% higher than Tuscaloosa (92.694 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa β a 10.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa β a 40.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 573 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 573 mi and the route typically takes 10h 44m via I 65 and I 75. 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 Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL Β· Dayton, OH.