Modesto, CA to Birmingham, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Birmingham typically costs $3,900–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,246 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Birmingham
Moving from Modesto, CA to Birmingham, AL typically costs $3,900–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,246-mile move from Modesto 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
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $5,837 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $7,865 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $4,865 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 14, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Birmingham
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,900, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $12,500.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,400–$4,200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Birmingham, AL to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Birmingham movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Birmingham
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Modesto to Birmingham, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 CA→AL movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Birmingham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Birmingham runs about 17% higher for singles and 13% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $2,697 in Birmingham versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $6,727 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,612 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.0% |
- If you're heading to Birmingham from Modesto, you'll find that rent is roughly 31% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 72% less in Birmingham than in Modesto.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 41% lower in Birmingham compared to Modesto.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Birmingham, since the cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 17% higher than in Modesto. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Birmingham, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 13% greater than in Modesto.
- Birmingham enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 30% lower compared to Modesto, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 13% in Birmingham over Modesto, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 62% less in Alabama than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Modesto and Birmingham:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $49.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.20 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $47.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Birmingham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Birmingham.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Birmingham.
- Bread is more expensive in Modesto than in Birmingham.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Birmingham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Birmingham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Birmingham.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Birmingham
| Modesto | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 196,644 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 31 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 61.64 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 38.36 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Birmingham's population is about 10% less than Modesto.
- Birmingham has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Modesto scores 5 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Modesto.
- Birmingham is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 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 Modesto, which has a score of 48.
- Birmingham's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 61.64 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Birmingham is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 38.36 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Birmingham is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Birmingham move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Alabama doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Birmingham. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Birmingham
Now that you've decided to make the move to B'ham, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Alabama, it's time to get out and discover what Birmingham has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Birmingham, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Modesto to Birmingham?
The best time to move from Modesto to Birmingham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Birmingham?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto to Birmingham, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Modesto to Birmingham take?
Moving from Modesto, CA to Birmingham, AL covers 2,246 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Birmingham.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Modesto?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Modesto advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in Modesto provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
