($623+) Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $654 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,134 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 882 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,822, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,134 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,128 - $3,755, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $654 - $1,629.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,420 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL
Moving options from Philadelphia to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,420 - $5,606 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 882-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 882-mile route from Philadelphia to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,822 - $4,616, container $1,128 - $2,193, rental truck $654 - $1,200, freight trailer $1,079 - $1,954.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,420 - $5,606, container $1,555 - $2,839, rental truck $706 - $1,440, freight trailer $1,172 - $2,247.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,261 - $8,134, container $1,910 - $3,755, rental truck $876 - $1,629, freight trailer $1,593 - $3,160.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL
Hiring full-service movers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $1,822 and $8,134. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 882-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $292 - $1,944, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Philadelphia and Birmingham. For a rough baseline, movers based in Philadelphia tend to start around $282 plus $130/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,822 - $4,616
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,420 - $5,606
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,261 - $8,134
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Philadelphia to Birmingham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Birmingham, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $486 - $4,860 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $194 - $1,166/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,333 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $972 - $2,916 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,430 - $9,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $728 - $1,383 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $972 - $2,430 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $778 - $3,402 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $292 - $1,458 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $632 - $1,944 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,580+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,402+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Birmingham?
Alabama Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Alabama, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Philadelphia, PA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,128 and $3,755. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Philadelphia runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,128 - $2,193
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,555 - $2,839
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,910 - $3,755
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $680 in Philadelphia, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Birmingham, AL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Alabama move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,128. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,555 - $2,839, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Birmingham?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Philadelphia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Philadelphia:
- Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
- Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL
Truck rentals from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Birmingham, Alabama, range from $654 - $1,629 for the 882-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $273 - $312
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $654 - $1,200
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $706 - $1,440
- 4+ bedrooms: $876 - $1,629
Pro tip: The base rate of $654 - $1,629 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Philadelphia to Birmingham. Fuel ($273 - $312) , lodging at around $146/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $680.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $273 - $312 for the 882-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $316, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 882-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $292 - $437.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Birmingham?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Birmingham, Alabama, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,172 and $2,247.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,079 - $1,954
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,172 - $2,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,593 - $3,160
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $73 - $146 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, typically costs $680.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Birmingham, AL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Birmingham, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $141,615 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $44,376/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 38.36/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Alabama, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 106 movers licensed in Pennsylvania, useful context for sizing up this 882-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Birmingham, AL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,822 for a studio to $8,134 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 882-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,128 - $3,755. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $654 - $1,629, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,420 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Birmingham, AL
What are the best neighborhoods in Birmingham?
For families, Oxmoor, Crestwood South, and Redmont Park are worth a look in Birmingham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central City, Five Points South, and Highland Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Philadelphia?
Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Birmingham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,822 to $8,134, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,822 and $8,134, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
