Factors that influence moving costs from Birmingham to Mesatoggle

The cost of Birmingham movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Birmingham to Mesa might cost as little as $1,587, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,892.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Birmingham, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,156 to $3,011. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Birmingham to Mesa

Moving from Birmingham to Mesa means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Birmingham than in Mesa, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Birmingham compares to Mesa so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Birmingham Mesa
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,786
Average home value $125,988 $432,892
Average income (per capita) $39,403 $64,524
Cost of living (single person) $2,697 $2,416
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,727 $5,566
Unemployment rate 5.6% 6.1%
Sales tax 10.0% 8.3%
State income tax 5.0% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Mesa are 43% higher than in Birmingham, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
    Home prices in Mesa are 243.6% higher than in Birmingham.
  • Income in Mesa is 63.8% higher than in Birmingham, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Mesa include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and The Boeing Company.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 10.4% lower than in Birmingham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mesa is 17.3% lower than in Birmingham.
  • The unemployment rate in Mesa is 8.93% higher than in Birmingham.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Mesa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mesa are 17.00% lower than in Birmingham.
  • One perk of moving to Mesa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 50.00% lower than in Birmingham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,687.43 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Birmingham.

How life is different in Birmingham vs. Mesa

Mesa Birmingham
Population 504,258 196,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 0
Walkability score 38 33
Bike friendliness score 60 31
Crime Index 44.67 61.64
Safety Index 55.33 38.36
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mesa's population is about 156% greater than Birmingham.
  • Mesa's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Birmingham's lower score of 0.
  • Mesa is more walkable than Birmingham with a score of 38 out of 100 vs Birmingham's 33 out of 100.
  • With a score of 60 out of 100, Mesa is more bike-friendly than Birmingham, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Mesa's crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 44.67 compared to Birmingham's 61.64. This means that Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
  • Mesa is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 55.33 vs Birmingham's 38.36.
  • Air quality in Mesa is good, and in Birmingham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Birmingham vs. Mesa move

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Mesa. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Mesa

Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Mesa.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central
  • Southwest
  • Northwest
  • Northeast
  • West Central

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Red Mountain Ranch
  • Superstition Springs
  • Eastmark
  • Dobson Ranch
  • Alta Mesa

Things to do in Mesa

After settling into your new Arizona home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Mesa has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Mesa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, i.d.e.a. Museum, and Mesa Historical Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Mesa?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Birmingham to Mesa. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Birmingham.

When is the cheapest time to move from Birmingham to Mesa?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Birmingham to Mesa, 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 Birmingham to Mesa take?

The 1,647-mile journey from Birmingham, AL to Mesa, AZ typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Birmingham offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Mesa.

Helpful moving resources