Moving from Mobile to Birmingham, AL
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Quick answer: Moving from Mobile to Birmingham costs between $363 to $7,651 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 257-mile route within Alabama take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Mobile to Birmingham
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Mobile to Birmingham are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Mobile to driving and unloading in Birmingham, 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 257 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,853 - $5,810 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,278 - $2,442 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $360 - $739 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Motivated Movers, Inc. | $150/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 Mobile to Birmingham?
It costs between $363 to $7,651 to move from Mobile to Birmingham. The prices below break down your 257-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,158 - $7,651
- Moving containers: $1,030 - $3,055
- Rental trucks: $363 - $906
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,158 - $4,379 | $1,030 - $1,832 | $363 - $599 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,853 - $5,810 | $1,278 - $2,442 | $360 - $739 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,552 - $7,651 | $1,753 - $3,055 | $450 - $906 |
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 | $252 - $2,100+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $150/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $168 - $672 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $42 - $168 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Mobile to Birmingham
At 257 miles, your Mobile to Birmingham 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 Mobile to Birmingham. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Alabama, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 257 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Motivated Movers, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Mobile to Birmingham. They've been in business since 2008 (18 years of experience) and 96.0% of their 25 verified reviews are positive.
More Alabama moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham to Mobile guide.
Considerations when moving from Mobile to Birmingham
Cost of living: Mobile vs. Birmingham
When comparing the cost of living between Mobile and Birmingham, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Birmingham stacks up against Mobile.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Mobile | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $168,803 | $141,615 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,090 | $44,376 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,825 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,104 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.0% | 10.0% |
- Rent prices in Birmingham are about the same as in Mobile, so your housing budget should stay steady and make your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Birmingham are 16% lower than in Mobile, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Birmingham is 13% lower than in Mobile. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Living expenses for one person in Birmingham are 48% higher than in Mobile, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 64% higher than in Mobile. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Birmingham one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Birmingham is 10% lower than in Mobile. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Birmingham and Mobile, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,440 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Mobile.
How life is different in Mobile vs. Birmingham
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Birmingham vs. Mobile. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Mobile | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 187,041 | 196,644 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-43 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 32ºF |
| Annual rain | 66" | 56" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 64.95 | 61.64 |
Birmingham sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Mobile to Birmingham might seem easy since both cities are similar in size. But it’s smart to dig deeper—what truly separates these two places is the vibe, job market, layout, and living costs. Those are the differences you’ll really notice.
- In the last presidential election, Birmingham leaned Democratic, while Mobile went Republican.
- Both Birmingham and Mobile average summer highs close to 90°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest months, Birmingham gets chillier than Mobile, with lows of 32°F compared to 38°F.
- Mobile tends to be wetter than Birmingham, averaging 66 inches of annual rainfall compared to Birmingham’s 56 inches.
- Mobile sees no annual snowfall, while Birmingham averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Both Mobile and Birmingham share similar crime rates, so you won’t notice much difference in safety between them.
Things to do in Birmingham
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Birmingham has you covered.
Museums in Birmingham
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Vulcan Park and Museum
- McWane Science Center
- Birmingham Museum of Art
Parks in Birmingham
- Vulcan Park and Museum
- Birmingham's Railroad Park
- Kelly Ingram Park
- Red Mountain Park
- East Lake Park
Sports teams in Birmingham
- Birmingham Barons
- UAB Blazers
- Samford University teams
- Birmingham Legion FC
- Alabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball league
Universities in Birmingham
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Samford University
- Birmingham School of Law
- Miles College
- Miles Law School
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Mobile to Birmingham?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Mobile to Birmingham, expect to pay between $1,052 and $3,848 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,853 and $5,810. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $2,552 up to $7,651 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Mobile to Birmingham?
If you’re moving from Mobile to Birmingham and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $747 and go up to $1,713. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,278 and $2,442. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,753 and $3,055.
How much is a moving truck from Mobile to Birmingham?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $367 to $655. A larger move will cost $360 to $739, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Mobile to Birmingham costs from $450 to $906.
How far in advance should I book Mobile-to-Birmingham movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Mobile to Birmingham at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Mobile-to-Birmingham movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Birmingham?
To save money on your move to Birmingham, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
