Top-rated local movers that handle Madison to Birmingham moves
When planning a move from Madison to Birmingham, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Madison who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Madison to Birmingham.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Birmingham?
Movers in Wisconsin charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,161 – $3,991 | $761 – $1,772 | $578 – $1,101 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,256 – $5,674 | $1,300 – $2,722 | $630 – $1,296 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,160 – $7,894 | $1,800 – $3,623 | $737 – $1,495 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Birmingham
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Birmingham, you can expect to spend between $1,161 and $3,991. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,256 to $5,674 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Madison to Birmingham typically runs between $4,160 and $7,894.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Birmingham
When moving from Madison to Birmingham, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $761 and $1,772. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,300 to $2,722. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,800 up to $3,623. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Birmingham
Renting a moving truck in Madison is usually your cheapest option to get to Birmingham. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $578 and $1,101. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $630 and $1,296. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $737 and $1,495.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Madison to Birmingham
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,976, but larger homes can run up to $6,980.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Madison.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($578–$1,399) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Madison to Birmingham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Birmingham runs about 18% higher for singles and 23% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,697 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $6,727 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,612 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 5.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 22% lower in Birmingham than in Madison, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 66% lower in Birmingham than in Madison.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 37% less in Birmingham than in Madison.
- Plan for higher expenses in Birmingham, since the cost of living for a single person is 18% more than in Madison. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Birmingham, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 23% more than it is in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 70% higher compared to Madison, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 82% higher in Birmingham than in Madison. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 35% lower in Alabama compared to Wisconsin. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Madison with Birmingham:
| Living Expense | Madison | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $49.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.20 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $47.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Birmingham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Madison than in Birmingham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Birmingham.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Birmingham.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Birmingham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Birmingham.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Birmingham.
How life is different in Madison vs. Birmingham
| Madison | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 196,644 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 31 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 61.64 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 38.36 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham’s population is about 27% less than Madison.
- Birmingham has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Madison scores 6 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Madison.
- Birmingham is less walkable than Madison with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 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 Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Birmingham’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 61.64 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 38.36 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Birmingham is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Birmingham move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Alabama doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Birmingham smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Birmingham
Now that you’ve chosen B’ham as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Birmingham to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new Alabama home, it’s time to see what Birmingham is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Birmingham offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Madison to Birmingham?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to Birmingham are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Birmingham?
Because spring and fall moves from Madison to Birmingham are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Madison to Birmingham take?
A move of 811 miles from Madison, WI to Birmingham, generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Madison sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Birmingham is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Madison offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Madison have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Madison moving services
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