($1,213+) Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL ranges from $1,262 to $10,515, with an average cost of $4,050. Moves can be as low as $1,213 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,027 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL
Moving options from Los Angeles to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,262 - $10,515 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,050, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,027 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,027-mile route from Los Angeles to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,262 - $5,544 | $1,650 - $2,864 | $1,132 - $2,162 | $1,471 - $2,713 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,440 - $6,951 | $2,094 - $4,438 | $1,301 - $2,707 | $1,642 - $3,246 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,194 - $10,515 | $2,841 - $5,876 | $1,563 - $3,185 | $2,183 - $4,335 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL
Hiring full-service movers from Los Angeles, California, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $1,262 and $10,515. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,027-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $396 - $2,640, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Los Angeles and Birmingham. For a rough baseline, movers based in Los Angeles tend to start around $200 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,262 - $5,544
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,440 - $6,951
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,194 - $10,515
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 Los Angeles to Birmingham.
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 Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Birmingham, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $660 - $6,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $264 - $1,584/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $396 - $3,168 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,320 - $3,960 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,300 - $13,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $989 - $1,878 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,320 - $3,300 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,056 - $4,620 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $396 - $1,980 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $858 - $2,640 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $396 - $19,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $396 - $4,620+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Birmingham?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Alabama Trucking 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 Los Angeles, CA, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,650 and $5,876. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Los Angeles typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,650 - $2,864
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,094 - $4,438
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,841 - $5,876
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $99 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $198 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 $924 in Los Angeles, CA, 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 Birmingham, AL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Alabama 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 $1,650. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,094 - $4,438.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles to Birmingham?
- 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL
A rental truck for this 2,027-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $1,132 and $3,185. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $851 - $973
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Los Angeles to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,132 - $2,162
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,301 - $2,707
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,563 - $3,185
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,132 - $3,185 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Los Angeles to Birmingham. Fuel ($851 - $973), lodging at around $198/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $99 and $462.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $198.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $851 and $973 for the 2,027-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $924 for 2 movers in Los Angeles, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Birmingham?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Los Angeles, California, to Birmingham, Alabama. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,188 and $3,246.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,471 - $2,713
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,642 - $3,246
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,183 - $4,335
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $99 - $198 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 Los Angeles, California, typically costs $924.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Birmingham?
- 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.
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 Birmingham 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: Los Angeles, CA vs Birmingham, AL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Birmingham, side by side with Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $141,615 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $44,376/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 38.36/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Birmingham, AL to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Alabama over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,027-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Los Angeles, CA, to Birmingham, AL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,262 for a studio to $10,515 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,027-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,650 - $5,876. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,132 - $3,185, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,440 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to Birmingham, AL
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($851 - $973), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $198/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL?
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. Alabama also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Los Angeles, CA to Birmingham, AL?
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.
Is Birmingham a safe place to live?
Birmingham has a safety index of 38.36 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.64, compared to 46.19 and 53.81 in Los Angeles. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.