Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville, AL
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Quick answer: Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $126 to $4,902 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 100-mile route within Alabama take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Birmingham to Huntsville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Birmingham to Huntsville are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Birmingham to driving and unloading in Huntsville, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 100 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,312 - $4,046 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,026 - $1,947 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $139 - $214 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Secure Moving, Inc | $175/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham to Huntsville?
It costs between $126 to $4,902 to move from Birmingham to Huntsville. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $701 - $4,902
- Moving containers: $832 - $2,385
- Rental trucks: $126 - $245
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $701 - $3,420 | $832 - $1,392 | $126 - $198 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,312 - $4,046 | $1,026 - $1,947 | $139 - $214 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,933 - $4,902 | $1,419 - $2,385 | $159 - $245 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $261 - $2,175+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $175/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $174 - $696 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $44 - $174 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Birmingham to Huntsville
At 100 miles, your Birmingham to Huntsville move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Birmingham to Huntsville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Alabama, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 100 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Changing Spaces Moving Inc is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Birmingham to Huntsville. They've been in business since 2005 (21 years of experience) and 94.7% of their 225 verified reviews are positive.
More Alabama moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Huntsville to Birmingham guide.
Considerations when moving from Birmingham to Huntsville
Cost of living: Birmingham vs. Huntsville
When weighing the cost of living in Birmingham versus Huntsville, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Huntsville really compares to Birmingham.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Birmingham | Huntsville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,409 |
| Average home cost | $141,615 | $260,899 |
| Average income (per capita) | $44,376 | $70,778 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,697 | $3,133 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,727 | $4,140 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 3.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.0% | 9.0% |
- Rent prices in Huntsville are 13% higher than in Birmingham. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Huntsville are 84% higher than in Birmingham. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 59% higher than in Birmingham. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 16% higher in Huntsville compared to Birmingham, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- If you’re moving to Huntsville, you’ll find that the cost of living is 38% lower than in Birmingham. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Huntsville is 45% lower than in Birmingham. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are 10% lower in Huntsville than in Birmingham. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Huntsville can reduce your overall living expenses.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Birmingham, you’d need about $3,480 in Huntsville.
How life is different in Birmingham vs. Huntsville
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Birmingham and Huntsville. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Birmingham | Huntsville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,644 | 241,114 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 64.8-34.2 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 32ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 56" | 55" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 2" |
| Crime index | 61.64 | 42.55 |
Huntsville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Huntsville is about 23% larger than Birmingham. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Birmingham and Huntsville leaned Democratic.
- In Huntsville and Birmingham, summer highs run about the same — 90°F vs. 90°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Birmingham and Huntsville face similar winter lows—Birmingham drops to 32°F, while Huntsville falls to 30°F.
- Both Birmingham and Huntsville receive similar amounts of rain annually—Birmingham gets about 56 inches, while Huntsville sees around 55 inches each year.
- You won’t notice much difference in snowfall moving from Birmingham to Huntsville. Both average about 1 and 2 inches of snow each year.
- Huntsville offers more peace of mind than Birmingham, with a lower crime index of 42.55 versus 61.64.
Things to do in Huntsville
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Huntsville has it all.
Museums in Huntsville
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center
- U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
- Huntsville Museum of Art
- Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment
- Earlyworks Museum Complex
Parks in Huntsville
- Big Spring Park
- Dog Spot dog park
- Bicentennial Park
- California Street Park
- Mayfair Park
Sports teams in Huntsville
- Huntsville Havoc (SPHL)
- North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL)
- Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA)
- Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League)
Universities in Huntsville
- Alabama A&M University
- J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College
- Oakwood University
- University of Alabama in Huntsville
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Birmingham to Huntsville?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Birmingham to Huntsville, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $652 and $2,832. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,312 up to $4,046. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,933 to $4,902 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Birmingham to Huntsville?
Moving containers from Birmingham to Huntsville will cost you $560 to $1,400 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,026 to $1,947. A larger home will cost $1,419 to $2,385.
How much is a moving truck from Birmingham to Huntsville?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $128 to $184. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $139 and $214. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Birmingham to Huntsville, costs usually fall between $159 and $245.
How far in advance should I book Birmingham-to-Huntsville movers?
To make your move from Birmingham to Huntsville as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Huntsville?
For the best deals on your move to Huntsville, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
