($522+) Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL

Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $532 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,174 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 711 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 $1,746, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,174 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,062 - $3,682, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $532 - $1,496.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,484 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL

Moving options from Ann Arbor to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,484 - $5,906 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 711 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 711-mile route from Ann Arbor to Birmingham, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,746 - $4,412 $1,062 - $2,026 $532 - $989 $976 - $1,858
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,484 - $5,906 $1,461 - $2,862 $603 - $1,175 $1,058 - $2,180
4+ bedrooms $4,402 - $8,174 $1,844 - $3,682 $690 - $1,496 $1,446 - $2,945

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 Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL

For the 711-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $1,746 and $8,174. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $295 - $1,968 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Ann Arbor generally start around $304 plus $100 per hour, per mover.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,746 - $4,412
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,484 - $5,906
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,402 - $8,174

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 Ann Arbor to Birmingham.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Michigan 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL

Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Ann Arbor 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$492 - $4,920
Storage in transitNew place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving$197 - $1,181/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$295 - $2,362
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers$984 - $2,952
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,460 - $9,840
Car shippingSecond vehicle$737 - $1,400
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items21% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Bos Moving & Services, Inc.$984 - $2,460
PianoAny piano type61% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$787 - $3,444
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers$295 - $1,476
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Extra Mile Moving$640 - $1,968
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$295 - $14,760+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$295 - $3,444+

What are the best full-service movers from Ann Arbor 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Ann Arbor, MI, 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL

Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,062 and $3,682. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Ann Arbor typically runs around $75/month.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,062 - $2,026
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,461 - $2,862
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,844 - $3,682

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 $689 in Ann Arbor, MI. 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 $74 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $148 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 Michigan 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 $1,062. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,461 - $2,862, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor:

  • Handle With Care Moving (4.8/5), 33 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
  • Men on the Move (4.7/5), 31 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL

Plan on $532 - $1,496 for a rental moving truck on the 711-mile route from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $223 - $254
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Ann Arbor daily rental rate: $19 - $29
  • 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 Ann Arbor to Birmingham based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $532 - $989
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $603 - $1,175
  • 4+ bedrooms: $690 - $1,496

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $532 - $1,496 does not include fuel ($223 - $254) , lodging ($148/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Ann Arbor to Birmingham typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $148 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Ann Arbor, Michigan, usually costs about $689 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 711-mile drive falls between $223 and $254, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $49 and $295 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Ann Arbor, Michigan, 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 $1,058 and $2,180.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $976 - $1,858
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,058 - $2,180
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,446 - $2,945

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $689.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $74 and $148 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Ann Arbor to Birmingham?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

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: Ann Arbor, MI 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 Ann Arbor on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Ann Arbor, MI Birmingham, AL
Cost of living index10687
Average rent$2,260/mo$1,250/mo
Median home value$435,434$141,615
Average income$81,089/yr$44,376/yr
Unemployment rate3.5%5.6%
State income taxUp to 4.25%Up to 5.0%
Walkability score52/10033/100
Safety index79.18/10038.36/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Ann Arbor, MI guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Alabama over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 84 movers in our Michigan network to compare for this 711-mile move.

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Our take

The 711-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Birmingham, AL, costs between $1,746 and $8,174 with full-service movers, $1,062 - $3,682 with a moving container, and $532 - $1,496 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 $2,484 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 Ann Arbor, MI, to Birmingham, AL

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Ann Arbor, MI 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.

What is the best time of year to move from Ann Arbor, MI 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.

How long does a move from Ann Arbor, MI 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($223 - $254), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $148/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $603 - $1,175. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

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

About 61% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.