Birmingham, AL to Jacksonville, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best AL→FL movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 46 Alabama movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Birmingham to Jacksonville

Overall, Birmingham and Jacksonville land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.

Singles average $2,696 in Jacksonville and $2,697 in Birmingham, while families in Jacksonville see $6,605 versus $6,727 in Birmingham.

Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:

	Birmingham	Jacksonville
Average 1 BR rent	$1,542	$1,596
Average 3 BR rent	$2,612	$2,680
Average home value	$125,988	$287,628
Average income (per capita)	$39,403	$64,138
Cost of living (single)	$2,697	$2,696
Cost of living (family of four)	$6,727	$6,605
Unemployment rate	5.6%	4.9%
Sales tax	10.0%	7.5%
State income tax	5.0%	0.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 22% higher in Jacksonville than in Birmingham, which may impact your monthly finances.
A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 128% higher in Jacksonville than in Birmingham.
Exciting news here, the average income is about 63% higher in Jacksonville than in Birmingham, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Jacksonville and Birmingham, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Jacksonville and Birmingham, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won't notice a significant change in expenses.
With an unemployment rate approximately 12% lower than Birmingham, Jacksonville boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
Sales taxes are 25% lower in Jacksonville than Birmingham, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Birmingham and Jacksonville, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	Birmingham	Jacksonville
Basic utilities	$211.40	$188.34
Cell phone plan	$49.55	$42.92
Dozen eggs	$4.20	$4.52
Loaf of bread	$3.52	$3.82
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$18.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$60.00	$86.50
Gym membership	$47.50	$38.68

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Birmingham than in Jacksonville.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Birmingham than in Jacksonville.
Eggs are less expensive in Birmingham than in Jacksonville.
Bread costs less in Birmingham than in Jacksonville.
A quick meal is cheaper in Birmingham than in Jacksonville.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Birmingham than in Jacksonville.
Gym memberships cost more in Birmingham than in Jacksonville.

How life is different in Birmingham vs. Jacksonville

	Birmingham	Jacksonville
Population	196,644	971,319
Transportation score	0	4
Walkability score	33	26
Bike friendliness score	31	41
Crime index	61.64	56.38
Safety index	38.36	43.62
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Jacksonville's population is about 394% greater than Birmingham.
Jacksonville has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, while Birmingham has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
Jacksonville is less walkable than Birmingham with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Birmingham's 33 out of 100.
With a score of 41 out of 100, Jacksonville is more bike-friendly than Birmingham, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Jacksonville's crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 56.38 compared to Birmingham's 61.64. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
Jacksonville is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 43.62 vs Birmingham's 38.36.
Air quality in Jacksonville is Good, and in Birmingham it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Birmingham to Jacksonville move

HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Florida, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Jacksonville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Jacksonville

Ready to relocate to Jax? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Jacksonville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Riverside
Brooklyn
Baymeadows
Secret Cove
South Riverside
Windy Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

Beacon Hills & Harbour
Deercreek
Oceanway
Orange Park
Ortega Forest
Sandalwood

Things to do in Jacksonville

Now that you've made the move to Florida, it's the perfect time to explore Jacksonville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Jacksonville include museums and art centers like the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Jacksonville?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Birmingham to Jacksonville. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Birmingham.

When is the cheapest time to move from Birmingham to Jacksonville?

With many people choosing to move from Birmingham to Jacksonville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Birmingham to Jacksonville take?

Covering 492 miles, the move from Birmingham, AL to Jacksonville, FL typically takes one to four days. Some Birmingham movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Jacksonville can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in Birmingham offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs.

Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.

How many movers in Birmingham can handle specialty items for my move to Jacksonville?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Birmingham, 9 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of AL, there are 34 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.