($1,163+) Birmingham, AL to Fontana, CA Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Fontana, CA, runs anywhere from $1,187 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,040 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,990 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,748, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,040 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,743 - $6,133, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,187 - $3,371.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Fontana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,678 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 Fontana, CA
Moving options from Birmingham to Fontana fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,678 - $7,933 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,990 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,990-mile route from Birmingham to Fontana, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,748 - $5,538 | $1,743 - $3,118 | $1,187 - $2,290 | $1,478 - $2,976 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,678 - $7,933 | $2,082 - $4,326 | $1,324 - $2,835 | $1,718 - $3,390 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,668 - $12,040 | $2,881 - $6,133 | $1,605 - $3,371 | $2,234 - $4,953 |
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 Fontana, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,990-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Fontana, California, with prices running from $2,748 - $12,040. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $299 - $1,996 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Birmingham and Fontana are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Birmingham movers tend to run around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,748 - $5,538
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,678 - $7,933
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,668 - $12,040
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 Fontana.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Fontana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Fontana, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $499 - $4,990 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $200 - $1,198/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $299 - $2,395 |
| 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 | $998 - $2,994 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,495 - $9,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $748 - $1,420 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $998 - $2,495 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $798 - $3,493 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $299 - $1,497 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy | $649 - $1,996 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $299 - $14,970+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $299 - $3,493+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Fontana?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Birmingham, AL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Fontana, CA
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Fontana, California, cost between $1,743 and $6,133. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Fontana. If you go over that window, storage in Birmingham adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,743 - $3,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,082 - $4,326
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,881 - $6,133
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Birmingham, AL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $699, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $75 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $150 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Birmingham, AL, and Fontana, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to California 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 $1,743. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,082 - $4,326, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Fontana?
- 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 Fontana, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,990-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Fontana, California, costs between $1,187 and $3,371, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $632 - $722
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Fontana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,187 - $2,290
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,324 - $2,835
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,605 - $3,371
Pro tip: A rental truck from Birmingham to Fontana looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,187 - $3,371. But once you factor in fuel ($632 - $722) , overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $699.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $632 - $722 for the 1,990-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $324, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $150 per night for hotel stops on the 1,990-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $299 - $449.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Fontana?
- 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 Fontana, CA
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 Fontana, California.
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 $1,718 and $3,390.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,478 - $2,976
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,718 - $3,390
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,234 - $4,953
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $75 and $150.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly five hours typically average $699.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Fontana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Fontana quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Birmingham, AL vs Fontana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fontana, side by side with Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Fontana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 119 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $3,000/mo |
| Median home value | $141,615 | $554,802 |
| Average income | $44,376/yr | $98,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 7.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 38.36/100 | 68.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Fontana, CA 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 California, 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 1,990-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,990-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Fontana, CA, costs between $2,748 and $12,040 with full-service movers, $1,743 - $6,133 with a moving container, and $1,187 - $3,371 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 $3,678 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 California Steel Industries and Fontana Unified.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Fontana, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Birmingham, AL to Fontana, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($632 - $722), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Fontana?
Fontana has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 33 and 31 in Birmingham. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Fontana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,748 to $12,040, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,748 and $12,040, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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.