Moving from Birmingham to Mobile, AL
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Quick answer: Moving from Birmingham to Mobile costs between $335 to $7,068 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 257-mile route within Alabama take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Birmingham to Mobile
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Birmingham to Mobile are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Birmingham to driving and unloading in Mobile, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 257 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,986 - $5,644 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,317 - $2,540 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $378 - $746 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Secure Moving, Inc | $175/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham to Mobile?
It costs between $335 to $7,068 to move from Birmingham to Mobile. The prices below break down your 257-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,182 - $7,068
- Moving containers: $1,061 - $2,962
- Rental trucks: $335 - $897
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,182 - $4,470 | $1,061 - $1,690 | $335 - $599 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,986 - $5,644 | $1,317 - $2,540 | $378 - $746 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,475 - $7,068 | $1,736 - $2,962 | $464 - $897 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $261 - $2,175+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $175/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $174 - $696 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $44 - $174 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Birmingham to Mobile
At 257 miles, your Birmingham to Mobile move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Birmingham to Mobile. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Alabama, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 257 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Changing Spaces Moving Inc is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Birmingham to Mobile. They've been in business since 2005 (21 years of experience) and 94.7% of their 225 verified reviews are positive.
More Alabama moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Mobile to Birmingham guide.
Considerations when moving from Birmingham to Mobile
Cost of living: Birmingham vs. Mobile
When comparing the cost of living between Birmingham and Mobile, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Mobile stacks up against Birmingham.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Birmingham | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,300 |
| Average home cost | $141,615 | $168,803 |
| Average income (per capita) | $44,376 | $51,090 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,697 | $1,825 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,727 | $4,104 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 6.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.0% | 10.0% |
- Rent prices in Mobile are about the same as in Birmingham, so your housing budget should stay steady and make your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Mobile are 19% higher than in Birmingham, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 15% higher than in Birmingham. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Cost of living for one person in Mobile is 32% lower than in Birmingham. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 39% lower than in Birmingham. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Mobile is 11% higher than in Birmingham. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Mobile and Birmingham, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,040 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Birmingham.
How life is different in Birmingham vs. Mobile
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Mobile vs. Birmingham. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Birmingham | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,644 | 187,041 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 55-43 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 32ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 56" | 66" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 61.64 | 64.95 |
Mobile sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Birmingham to Mobile might seem easy since both cities are similar in size. But it’s smart to dig deeper—what truly separates these two places is the vibe, job market, layout, and living costs. Those are the differences you’ll really notice.
- In the last presidential election, Mobile leaned Republican, while Birmingham went Democratic.
- Both Mobile and Birmingham average summer highs close to 91°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- In the coldest months, Birmingham gets chillier than Mobile, with lows dipping to 32°F while Mobile only drops to 38°F.
- Mobile typically gets more rain than Birmingham, with an average annual rainfall of 66 inches compared to Birmingham’s 56 inches.
- Mobile has no annual snowfall, while Birmingham averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Both Birmingham and Mobile share similar crime rates, so you won’t notice much difference in safety between them.
Things to do in Mobile
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Mobile has you covered.
Museums in Mobile
- GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
- Battleship USS ALABAMA
- Mobile Carnival Museum
- History Museum of Mobile
- Richards DAR House Museum
Parks in Mobile
- Mobile Bay
- Mobile Botanical Gardens
- Bienville Square
- Medal of Honor Park
- Mardi Gras Park
Sports teams in Mobile
- South Alabama Jaguars (Sun Belt)
- Spring Hill Badgers (SIAC)
Universities in Mobile
- University of South Alabama
- Spring Hill College
- University of Mobile
- Bishop State Community College
- Fortis College Mobile
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Birmingham to Mobile?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Birmingham to Mobile, expect to pay between $1,085 and $3,663 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,986 and $5,644. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $2,475 up to $7,068 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Birmingham to Mobile?
If you’re moving from Birmingham to Mobile and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $711 and go up to $1,764. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,317 and $2,540. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,736 and $2,962.
How much is a moving truck from Birmingham to Mobile?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $360 to $611. A larger move will cost $378 to $746, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Birmingham to Mobile costs from $464 to $897.
How far in advance should I book Birmingham-to-Mobile movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Birmingham to Mobile at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Birmingham-to-Mobile movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Mobile?
To save money on your move to Mobile, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
