($199+) Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Columbus, GA, runs anywhere from $199 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,816 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 172 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $777, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,816 or more.
- Moving containers run $745 - $2,222, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $199 - $437.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Columbus, GA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,386 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 Columbus, GA
There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham to Columbus: 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 $1,386 - $3,976. Containers cost roughly 29% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 86% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 172 miles, expect 1 to 2 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 172-mile route from Birmingham to Columbus, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $777 - $3,282 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($745 - $1,311), rental truck ($199 - $329), or freight trailer ($644 - $1,122). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,386 - $3,976 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $4,816.
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 Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA
For the 172-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Columbus, Georgia, full-service movers cost between $777 and $4,816. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $250 - $1,668 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Birmingham generally start around $310 plus $175 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $777 - $3,282
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,386 - $3,976
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,731 - $4,816
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 Columbus.
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 Columbus, GA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Columbus, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $417 - $4,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $167 - $1,001/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $250 - $2,002 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $834 - $2,502 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,085 - $8,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $625 - $1,187 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $834 - $2,085 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $667 - $2,919 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $250 - $1,251 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc | $542 - $1,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $250 - $12,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $250 - $2,919+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Columbus?
Georgia Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Georgia, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Birmingham, AL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Birmingham to Columbus with a local mover averages $1,373 - $3,937. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Birmingham, AL can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
New Latitude Movers (4.48/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Birmingham, ranked #3 in Alabama, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,247 customers, 98.6% of which is positive.
Address: 130 Industrial Dr, Birmingham, AL, 35211 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Columbus, Georgia, cost between $745 and $2,222. 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 Birmingham typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $745 - $1,311
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $988 - $1,827
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,214 - $2,222
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $63 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $125 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 $584 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 Columbus, GA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Georgia 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 $745. 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 $988 - $1,827.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Columbus?
- 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:
- New Latitude Movers (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA
Plan on $199 - $437 for a rental moving truck on the 172-mile route from Birmingham, Alabama, to Columbus, Georgia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $46 - $52
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- 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 Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $199 - $329
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $192 - $387
- 4+ bedrooms: $233 - $437
Pro tip: The base rate of $199 - $437 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Birmingham to Columbus. Fuel ($46 - $52), lodging at around $125/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $125 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 $584 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 172-mile drive falls between $46 and $52, 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 $42 and $250 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Columbus?
- 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 Columbus, GA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, to Columbus, Georgia. 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 $751 and $1,420.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $644 - $1,122
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $737 - $1,420
- 4+ bedrooms: $971 - $1,795
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Birmingham, Alabama, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $584.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $63 - $125 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Columbus?
- 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.
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 Columbus, GA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Birmingham and Columbus to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 78. Average rent: $1,250/mo vs. $1,100/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 33 vs. 25. Safety index: 38.36 vs. 27.82.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus, GA to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Georgia, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 142 movers licensed in Alabama, useful context for sizing up this 172-mile move.
Our take
The 172-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Columbus, GA, costs between $777 and $4,816 with full-service movers, $745 - $2,222 with a moving container, and $199 - $437 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 $1,386 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 Aflac and TSYS.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Columbus, GA
What are the best neighborhoods in Columbus?
For families, North Columbus, Brookstone, and Green Island Hills are worth a look in Columbus. If you're moving solo or without kids, MidTown, Uptown, and Downtown Columbus tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 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 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 Columbus 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 Columbus, GA?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA?
Costs on this route range from around $199 to $4,816, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $777 and $4,816, 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 40% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.