McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Birmingham typically costs $2,700–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,013 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McAllen to Birmingham
Moving from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL typically costs $2,700–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,013-mile move from McAllen to Birmingham, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,226 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,346 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $5,597 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 30, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 17, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your McAllen to Birmingham move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,400 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in McAllen.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $800 to $2,100, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Birmingham, AL to McAllen, TX guide.
Best McAllen to Birmingham movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from McAllen to Birmingham
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from McAllen to Birmingham much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TX→AL movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 291 Texas movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Birmingham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Birmingham runs about 85% higher for singles and 89% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $2,697 in Birmingham versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $6,727 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $2,612 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.0% |
- When relocating from McAllen to Birmingham, expect to find rent about 7% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 43% more affordable in Birmingham compared to McAllen.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 31% lower in Birmingham compared to McAllen.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Birmingham, as living costs for a single person are 85% higher than in McAllen. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Birmingham, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 89% higher than in McAllen.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is about 29% lower than in McAllen. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Birmingham are 21% more than in McAllen, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Alabama has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between McAllen and Birmingham:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $49.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $4.20 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $47.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Birmingham, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Birmingham.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Birmingham.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Birmingham.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Birmingham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in McAllen than in Birmingham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in McAllen than in Birmingham.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Birmingham
| McAllen | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 196,644 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 31 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 61.64 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 38.36 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Birmingham's population is about 38% greater than McAllen.
- Birmingham has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while McAllen scores 3 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for McAllen.
- Birmingham is less walkable than McAllen with a score of 33 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as McAllen, which has a score of 46.
- Birmingham's crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 61.64 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 38.36 vs McAllen's 63.74.
- Air quality in Birmingham is Good, and in McAllen it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Birmingham move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Alabama’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Birmingham. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Birmingham
Planning your move to B'ham? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Birmingham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central City
- Five Points South
- Highland Park
- Fountain Heights
- Southside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oxmoor
- Crestwood South
- Redmont Park
Things to do in Birmingham
After settling into your new Alabama home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Birmingham has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Birmingham features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, and McWane Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham's Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Birmingham BaronsUAB BlazersSamford University teamsBirmingham Legion FCAlabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball leagueTragic City RollersBirmingham Bulls (SPHL)Birmingham StallionsBirmingham Squadron (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Birmingham?
Planning your move from McAllen to Birmingham? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Birmingham?
Because most people are moving from McAllen to Birmingham in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from McAllen to Birmingham take?
The 1,013-mile journey from McAllen, TX to Birmingham, AL, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in McAllen offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Birmingham.
Are piano and antique moving services available in McAllen?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In McAllen, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
