($598+) Birmingham, AL to San Antonio, TX Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to San Antonio, TX, runs anywhere from $628 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,192 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 860 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 $2,064, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,192 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,105 - $3,901, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $628 - $1,610.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to San Antonio, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,591 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Birmingham, AL to San Antonio, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham to San Antonio: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,591 - $6,595. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 860 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 860-mile route from Birmingham to San Antonio, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,064 - $4,935 | $1,105 - $2,212 | $628 - $1,104 | $1,037 - $1,801 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,591 - $6,595 | $1,421 - $2,836 | $639 - $1,326 | $1,244 - $2,386 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,236 - $8,192 | $1,990 - $3,901 | $825 - $1,610 | $1,640 - $2,999 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Birmingham, AL to San Antonio, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 860-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to San Antonio, Texas, with costs ranging from $2,064 - $8,192. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $266 - $1,772. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Birmingham and San Antonio. Local movers in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,064 - $4,935
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,591 - $6,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,236 - $8,192
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 San Antonio.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to San Antonio, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Antonio, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to San Antonio?
All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Birmingham, AL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to San Antonio, TX
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to San Antonio, Texas, cost between $1,105 and $3,901. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Birmingham runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,105 - $2,212
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,421 - $2,836
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,990 - $3,901
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $133 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $620 in Birmingham, AL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your San Antonio, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Texas 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 $1,105. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,421 - $2,836, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to San Antonio?
- 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:
- Secure Moving, Inc (4.8/5), 29 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 14 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to San Antonio, TX
Plan on $628 - $1,610 for a rental moving truck on the 860-mile route from Birmingham, Alabama, to San Antonio, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $242 - $277
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- 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 San Antonio based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $628 - $1,104
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $639 - $1,326
- 4+ bedrooms: $825 - $1,610
Pro tip: The base rate of $628 - $1,610 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Birmingham to San Antonio. Fuel ($242 - $277) , lodging at around $133/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $133 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 Birmingham, Alabama, usually costs about $620 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 860-mile drive falls between $242 and $277, 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 $44 and $266 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to San Antonio?
- 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 San Antonio, TX
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 San Antonio, Texas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,244 and $2,386.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,037 - $1,801
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,244 - $2,386
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,640 - $2,999
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $66 - $133 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, typically costs $620.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to San Antonio?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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 San Antonio, TX
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Birmingham and San Antonio to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 91. Average rent: $1,250/mo vs. $1,496/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 33 vs. 37. Safety index: 38.36 vs. 51.94.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Antonio, TX 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 Texas, 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 46 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 860-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 860-mile route from Birmingham, AL, to San Antonio, TX, run $2,064 - $8,192 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,105 - $3,901, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $628 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,591, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to San Antonio tend to point to diversity and sight-seeing, though abundant stray pets and brutal summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Joint Base San Antonio (Three Military Bases) and H-E-B.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to San Antonio, TX
What is the cheapest way to move from Birmingham, AL to San Antonio, TX?
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 $639 - $1,326. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Antonio?
For families, Alamo Heights, Great Northwest, and Northwest Crossing are worth a look in San Antonio. If you're moving solo or without kids, Alamo Heights, Downtown, and Tobin Hill tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Birmingham, AL to San Antonio, TX 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 do local movers charge in Birmingham?
Local movers based in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate, plus $175/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in San Antonio run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Birmingham, AL to San Antonio, TX?
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 percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
