($412+) Dayton, OH to Birmingham, AL Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Dayton, OH to Birmingham, AL

Moving from Dayton, OH, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $456 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,245 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 516 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,309, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,245 or more.
  • Moving containers run $954 - $3,067, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $456 - $1,196.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dayton, OH, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,207 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Dayton, OH to Birmingham, AL

Moving options from Dayton to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,207 - $5,753 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 516 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 516-mile route from Dayton to Birmingham, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,309 - $4,103 $954 - $1,728 $456 - $845 $894 - $1,619
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,207 - $5,753 $1,235 - $2,386 $444 - $1,003 $1,069 - $1,987
4+ bedrooms $4,136 - $8,245 $1,660 - $3,067 $565 - $1,196 $1,370 - $2,656

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Dayton, OH to Birmingham, AL

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 516-mile move from Dayton, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama, with costs ranging from $1,309 - $8,245. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $248 - $1,656. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Dayton and Birmingham. Local movers in Dayton typically start around $330 as a base rate plus $140/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dayton to Birmingham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,309 - $4,103
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,207 - $5,753
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,136 - $8,245

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 Dayton to Birmingham.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Dayton, OH to Birmingham, AL

Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Dayton 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$414 - $4,140
Storage in transitNew place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage$166 - $994/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$248 - $1,987
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers$828 - $2,484
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,070 - $8,280
Car shippingSecond vehicle$620 - $1,178
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage$828 - $2,070
PianoAny piano type44% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage$662 - $2,898
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers$248 - $1,242
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: $538 - $1,656
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$248 - $12,420+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$248 - $2,898+

What are the best full-service movers from Dayton to Birmingham?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Alabama Trucking Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Dayton, OH. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from Dayton, OH to Birmingham, AL

Moving containers from Dayton, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $954 and $3,067. 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 Dayton runs about $60/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dayton to Birmingham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $954 - $1,728
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,235 - $2,386
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,660 - $3,067

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Dayton, OH and Birmingham, AL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $580 in Dayton, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $62 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $124 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio 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 $954. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,235 - $2,386, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Dayton to Birmingham?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Dayton 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 Dayton:

  • Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc (3.9/5), 110 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 25 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Dayton, OH to Birmingham, AL

Renting a moving truck for the 516-mile move from Dayton, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $456 and $1,196, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $136 - $155
  • Daily insurance: $25/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
  • Dayton daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Dayton to Birmingham based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $456 - $845
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $444 - $1,003
  • 4+ bedrooms: $565 - $1,196

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $456 - $1,196 when pricing out a rental truck from Dayton to Birmingham. Fuel alone runs ($136 - $155) , and overnight lodging ($124/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $136 - $155 for the 516-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Dayton, Ohio, for about 5 hours typically costs around $580.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 516-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $124 per night, adding $248 - $373 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $41 and $248.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Dayton to Birmingham?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Dayton, OH to Birmingham, AL

If you're moving a larger household from Dayton, Ohio, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Birmingham, Alabama.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,069 and $1,987.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dayton to Birmingham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $894 - $1,619
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,069 - $1,987
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,370 - $2,656

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
  • More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $62 - $124 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Dayton, Ohio, for about five hours typically runs $580.

What are the best freight companies from Dayton to Birmingham?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co (4.88/5 stars): ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Birmingham fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Dayton, OH vs Birmingham, AL

Good news for your budget: Birmingham isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Dayton. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 80 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 45/100 and 40.68/100 here versus 33/100 and 38.36/100 there.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to Dayton, OH guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Ohio to Alabama, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 103 movers in Ohio, so you have real options to compare for this 516-mile move.

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Our take

The 516-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Birmingham, AL, costs between $1,309 and $8,245 with full-service movers, $954 - $3,067 with a moving container, and $456 - $1,196 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,207 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.

FAQs: Moving from Dayton, OH, to Birmingham, AL

How walkable is Birmingham?

Birmingham has a walkability score of 33 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 31, compared to 45 and 47 in Dayton. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($136 - $155), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $124/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Alabama?

To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience.

What is the best time of year to move from Dayton, OH to Birmingham, AL?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Alabama also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What percentage of Dayton movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 44% of movers in Dayton handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.