($577+) Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $577 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,904 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 881 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 $2,019, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,904 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,143 - $3,621, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $577 - $1,719.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,598 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA
Moving options from Birmingham to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,598 - $6,276 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 47% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 74% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 881 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 881-mile route from Birmingham to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,019 - $4,765 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,143 - $2,012), rental truck ($577 - $1,134), or freight trailer ($1,040 - $1,792). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,598 - $6,276 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,904.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 881-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with prices running from $2,019 - $7,904. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $281 - $1,876 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Birmingham and Philadelphia are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Birmingham movers tend to run around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,019 - $4,765
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,598 - $6,276
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,023 - $7,904
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 Birmingham to Philadelphia.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Philadelphia, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $469 - $4,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $188 - $1,126/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $281 - $2,251 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $938 - $2,814 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,345 - $9,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $703 - $1,335 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $938 - $2,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $750 - $3,283 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling5% of local movers | $281 - $1,407 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc | $610 - $1,876 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $281 - $14,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $281 - $3,283+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Philadelphia?
Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Pennsylvania, 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 Birmingham, AL, 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 Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,143 and $3,621. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Birmingham typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,143 - $2,012
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,384 - $2,681
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,996 - $3,621
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Birmingham, AL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $657, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $70 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $141 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Birmingham, AL, and Philadelphia, PA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Pennsylvania 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 $1,143. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,384 - $2,681.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Philadelphia?
- 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:
- New Latitude Movers (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- Changing Spaces Moving Inc (4.9/5), 22 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 881 miles from Birmingham, Alabama, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, running $577 - $1,719. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $263 - $301
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Birmingham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Birmingham to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $577 - $1,134
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $680 - $1,361
- 4+ bedrooms: $853 - $1,719
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $577 - $1,719 when pricing out a rental truck from Birmingham to Philadelphia. Fuel alone runs $263 - $301, and overnight lodging ($141/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $263 - $301 for the 881-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 Birmingham, Alabama, for about 5 hours typically costs around $657.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 881-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $141 per night, adding $281 - $422 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $281.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Philadelphia?
- 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 Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Birmingham, Alabama, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,164 and $2,213.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $1,792
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,164 - $2,213
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,520 - $3,105
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Birmingham, Alabama, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $657.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $141 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Philadelphia?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Philadelphia quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Birmingham, AL vs Philadelphia, PA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Philadelphia, side by side with Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $141,615 | $231,098 |
| Average income | $44,376/yr | $60,698/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 38.36/100 | 33.91/100 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Pennsylvania 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 112 movers in our Alabama network to compare for this 881-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Birmingham, AL, to Philadelphia, PA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,019 for a studio to $7,904 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 881-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,143 - $3,621. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $577 - $1,719, 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 $2,598 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 Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Philadelphia, PA
What is the best time of year to move from Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Birmingham, AL to Philadelphia, PA?
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.
Is Philadelphia a safe place to live?
Philadelphia has a safety index of 33.91 out of 100 and a crime index of 66.09, compared to 38.36 and 61.64 in Birmingham. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 33 and 31 in Birmingham. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia?
For families, Bella Vista, Bustleton, and Chestnut Hill are worth a look in Philadelphia. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cedar Park, Fishtown, and Manayunk tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.