($482+) Birmingham, AL to Ann Arbor, MI Movers

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

Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $482 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,710 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 715 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 $1,566, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,710 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,032 - $3,372, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $482 - $1,438.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,320 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

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

Moving options from Birmingham to Ann Arbor 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 $2,320 - $5,972 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 77% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 715 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 715-mile route from Birmingham to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,566 - $4,378 $1,032 - $1,911 $482 - $962 $939 - $1,586
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,320 - $5,972 $1,338 - $2,571 $525 - $1,153 $1,039 - $1,953
4+ bedrooms $3,793 - $7,710 $1,757 - $3,372 $719 - $1,438 $1,336 - $2,564

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
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 trailer
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 Birmingham, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

Full-service movers for the 715-mile relocation from Birmingham, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,566 and $7,710. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $284 - $1,892, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Birmingham typically charge a base rate around $310 plus $175 per hour, per mover.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,566 - $4,378
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,320 - $5,972
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,793 - $7,710

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 Ann Arbor.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 57% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing68% of local movers$473 - $4,730
Storage in transitNew place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers$189 - $1,135/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$284 - $2,270
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers$946 - $2,838
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,365 - $9,460
Car shippingSecond vehicle$709 - $1,346
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers$946 - $2,365
PianoAny piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers$757 - $3,311
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers$284 - $1,419
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc$615 - $1,892
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$284 - $14,190+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$284 - $3,311+

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

Movers licensed to operate in Michigan are typically members of the Michigan Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Birmingham, AL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.

Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $1,032 and $3,372. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Birmingham costs roughly $70/month if you need it.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,032 - $1,911
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,338 - $2,571
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,757 - $3,372

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Birmingham, AL and Ann Arbor, MI. 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 $662 in Birmingham, AL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $142 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 Alabama to Michigan 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 $1,032. 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 $1,338 - $2,571.

What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Ann Arbor?

  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 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
  • All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
  • Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 15 years in business

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

Truck rentals from Birmingham, Alabama, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, range from $482 - $1,438 for the 715-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $215 - $246
  • 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 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 Birmingham to Ann Arbor based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $482 - $962
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $525 - $1,153
  • 4+ bedrooms: $719 - $1,438

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $482 - $1,438 when pricing out a rental truck from Birmingham to Ann Arbor. Fuel alone runs $215 - $246, and overnight lodging ($142/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 $215 - $246 for the 715-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 $662.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 715-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $142 per night, adding $284 - $426 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $284.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Ann Arbor?

  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 Birmingham, AL to Ann Arbor, MI

If you're moving a larger household from Birmingham, Alabama, 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 Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,039 and $1,953.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $939 - $1,586
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,039 - $1,953
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,336 - $2,564

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 $71 - $142 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for about five hours typically runs $662.

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

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.

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: Birmingham, AL vs Ann Arbor, MI

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ann Arbor, side by side with Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Birmingham, AL Ann Arbor, MI
Cost of living index87106
Average rent$1,250/mo$2,260/mo
Median home value$141,615$435,434
Average income$44,376/yr$81,089/yr
Unemployment rate5.6%3.5%
State income taxUp to 5.0%Up to 4.25%
Walkability score33/10052/100
Safety index38.36/10079.18/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Michigan, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Alabama alone has 142 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 715-mile move like this one.

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Our take

The 715-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI, costs between $1,566 and $7,710 with full-service movers, $1,032 - $3,372 with a moving container, and $482 - $1,438 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 $2,320 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 University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..

FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Ann Arbor, MI

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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is Ann Arbor a safe place to live?

Ann Arbor has a safety index of 79.18 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.0, 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.

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

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 $525 - $1,153. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What are the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor?

For families, Burns Park, Eberwhite, and Water Hill are worth a look in Ann Arbor. If you're moving solo or without kids, Kerrytown, Lower Burns Park, and Old West Side tend to be popular picks instead.

How long does a move from Birmingham, AL to Ann Arbor, MI take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 40% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.