Birmingham, AL to Sacramento, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Birmingham to Sacramento typically costs $4,300–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,328 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Birmingham to Sacramento

Moving from Birmingham, AL to Sacramento, CA typically costs $4,300–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,328-mile move from Birmingham to Sacramento, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $3,000 - $7,000
  • Moving Container $2,000 - $3,800
  • Rental Truck $1,400 - $3,000
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $4,300 - $8,700
  • Moving Container $2,600 - $5,300
  • Rental Truck $1,600 - $3,500
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $7,800 - $14,000
  • Moving Container $3,600 - $7,000
  • Rental Truck $2,000 - $4,400

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,869 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
  • North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,569 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
  • Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,920 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Budget Truck Rental
Clay, AL Fruitridge Pocket, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Jan 31, 2026
North American Van Lines
Chelsea, AL La Riviera, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Jan 29, 2026
Safeway Moving
Locust Fork, AL Folsom, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Jan 26, 2026
PODS
Wilsonville, AL Ione, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 13, 2026
Colonial Van Lines
Kimberly, AL Linda, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Dec 23, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Montevallo, AL West Sacramento, CA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 16, 2025
Joyce Van Lines
Cardiff, AL Granite Bay, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Dec 14, 2025
BLVD Moving
Bessemer, AL Monument Hills, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 04, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Vestavia Hills, AL Elk Grove, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Nov 29, 2025
AB Moving
McCalla, AL Fairfield, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Nov 27, 2025

Factors that affect moving costs from Birmingham to Sacramento

Your total cost will depend on:

  • How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Birmingham to Sacramento may only cost $3,000, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $14,000.
  • The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Birmingham.
  • Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,400–$4,400), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL guide.

Best Birmingham to Sacramento movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Local Movers Icon
Local
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Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
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Labor Only

Best professional movers from Birmingham to Sacramento

Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Birmingham to Sacramento. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.

Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best AL→CA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 46 Alabama moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
  • Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
  • Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Birmingham to Sacramento

Many movers find Sacramento easier on the wallet than Birmingham - roughly 2% less for singles and 8% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,656 for one person in Sacramento versus $2,697 in Birmingham. For a family of four, it's $6,191 compared with $6,727.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

Birmingham Sacramento
Average 1 BR rent $1,542 $2,080
Average 3 BR rent $2,612 $3,540
Average home value $125,988 $476,699
Average income (per capita) $39,403 $78,954
Cost of living (single) $2,697 $2,656
Cost of living (family of four) $6,727 $6,191
Unemployment rate 5.6% 7.7%
Sales tax 10.0% 8.75%
State income tax 5.0% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 52% more expensive in Sacramento than in Birmingham. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
  • Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 278% steeper in Sacramento compared to Birmingham.
  • Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 100% greater in Sacramento than in Birmingham, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
  • As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Sacramento and Birmingham, you likely won't feel a significant change.
  • A move to Sacramento can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 8% lower compared to Birmingham.
  • Sacramento has a higher unemployment rate than Birmingham by about 38%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
  • Sales taxes are 13% cheaper in Sacramento compared to Birmingham. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
  • Income taxes are 166% more in California than in Alabama. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Birmingham versus Sacramento:

Living Expense Birmingham Sacramento
Basic utilities $211.40 $356.80
Cell phone plan $49.55 $61.14
Dozen eggs $4.20 $4.58
Loaf of bread $3.52 $4.27
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $18.00 $20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $60.00 $80.00
Gym membership $47.50 $47.08
  • Basic utilities cost less in Birmingham than in Sacramento, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Birmingham than in Sacramento.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Birmingham than in Sacramento.
  • Bread costs less in Birmingham than in Sacramento.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Birmingham than in Sacramento.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Birmingham than in Sacramento.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Birmingham than in Sacramento.

How life is different in Birmingham vs. Sacramento

Birmingham Sacramento
Population 196,644 524,943
Transportation score 0 6
Walkability score 33 49
Bike friendliness score 31 67
Crime index 61.64 49.21
Safety index 38.36 50.79
Air quality Good Moderate
  • Sacramento's population is about 167% greater than Birmingham.
  • Sacramento has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, while Birmingham has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
  • Sacramento is more walkable than Birmingham with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Birmingham's 33 out of 100.
  • With a score of 67 out of 100, Sacramento is more bike-friendly than Birmingham, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Sacramento's crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 49.21 compared to Birmingham's 61.64. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
  • Sacramento is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 50.79 vs Birmingham's 38.36.
  • Air quality in Sacramento is Moderate, and in Birmingham it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Birmingham to Sacramento move

  • HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
  • Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Sacramento. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Sacramento

With your sights set on Almond Capital of the World, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Sacramento.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Sacramento
  • East Sacramento
  • Land Park
  • Natomas Park
  • North Oak Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Boulevard Park
  • River Park
  • Land Park
  • Village 7
  • East Sacramento
  • Natomas Park

Things to do in Sacramento

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Sacramento. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

  • Arts and culture: Sacramento is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Old Sacramento.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Sacramento Kings (NBA)Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.

FAQ

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

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Birmingham to Sacramento. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Birmingham.

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

Want to save on your move from Birmingham to Sacramento? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Birmingham to Sacramento take?

The 2,328-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Sacramento, CA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Birmingham movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Sacramento.

What kinds of discounts do Birmingham movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Birmingham?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 9 movers in Birmingham provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 34 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.