($195+) Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Columbus, GA, runs anywhere from $209 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,211 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $782, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,211 or more.
- Moving containers run $767 - $2,310, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $209 - $463.
- 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 $1,413 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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,413 - $4,216. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 172-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $782 - $3,514 with full-service movers, $767 - $1,418 with a container, $209 - $335 with a rental truck, or $683 - $1,264 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,413 - $4,216 full-service, $1,017 - $1,882 by container, $225 - $407 by rental truck, or $813 - $1,461 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $1,892 - $5,211 full-service, $1,353 - $2,310 by container, $266 - $463 by rental truck, or $1,051 - $1,903 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA
Full-service movers for the 172-mile relocation from Birmingham, Alabama, to Columbus, Georgia, cost between $782 and $5,211. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $250 - $1,668, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Birmingham typically charge a base rate 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: $782 - $3,514
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,413 - $4,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,892 - $5,211
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Georgia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbus, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $417 - $4,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% 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 coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% 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 items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $834 - $2,085 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $667 - $2,919 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $250 - $1,251 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy | $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?
Look for Georgia Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Georgia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 $1,343 - $4,006. A local mover in Birmingham, AL is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Changing Spaces Moving Inc (4.5/5 stars) is a local mover in Birmingham, based on our analysis of feedback from 225 customers, 94.7% of which is positive.
Address: 130 Inverness Center Place, Birmingham, AL, 35242 | Founded: 2004
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Columbus, Georgia, cost between $767 and $2,310. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Birmingham costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $767 - $1,418
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,017 - $1,882
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,353 - $2,310
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $63 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $125 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Columbus, GA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $584 in Birmingham, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $767. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,017 - $1,882, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Secure Moving, Inc (4.8/5), 29 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 14 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA
Truck rentals from Birmingham, Alabama, to Columbus, Georgia, range from $209 - $463 for the 172-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $209 - $335
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $225 - $407
- 4+ bedrooms: $266 - $463
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Birmingham to Columbus starts at $209 - $463, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($46 - $52) , overnight lodging ($125/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
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 $63 and $292.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $125.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $46 and $52 for the 172-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 $584 for 2 movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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
For larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Columbus, Georgia.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $813 and $1,461.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $683 - $1,264
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $813 - $1,461
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,051 - $1,903
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $63 - $125 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for about five hours typically runs $584.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Birmingham to Columbus. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
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 use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Georgia 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 46 movers in our Alabama network to compare for this 172-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Birmingham, AL, to Columbus, GA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $782 - $5,211 on the 172-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $767 - $2,310 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $209 - $463 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,413 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA?
Costs on this route range from around $782 to $5,211, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $782 and $5,211, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Birmingham, AL to Columbus, GA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $225 - $407. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($46 - $52), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $125/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
