Factors that influence moving costs from Birmingham to Minneapolistoggle

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 Minneapolis might cost as little as $1,492, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $9,032.
  • 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 $826 to $2,160. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Birmingham to Minneapolis

Moving from Birmingham to Minneapolis comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Minneapolis is generally more expensive than Birmingham, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Birmingham Minneapolis
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,484
Average home value $125,988 $312,602
Average income (per capita) $39,403 $70,099
Cost of living (single person) $2,697 $3,900
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,727 $4,710
Unemployment rate 5.6% 4.5%
Sales tax 10.0% 9.03%
State income tax 5.0% 9.85%
  • Rent prices in Minneapolis are 19% 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 Minneapolis are 148.1% higher than in Birmingham.
  • Income in Minneapolis is 77.9% higher than in Birmingham, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Minneapolis include Aeon, Target, and Medtronic.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Minneapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Minneapolis is 44.6% higher than in Birmingham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Minneapolis is 30.0% lower than in Birmingham.
  • The unemployment rate in Minneapolis is 19.64% lower than in Birmingham.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Minneapolis, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Minneapolis are 9.70% lower than in Birmingham.
  • State income taxes in Minneapolis are 97.00% higher than in Birmingham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,338.15 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Birmingham.

How life is different in Birmingham vs. Minneapolis

Minneapolis Birmingham
Population 425,115 196,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 0
Walkability score 71 33
Bike friendliness score 83 31
Crime Index 56.06 61.64
Safety Index 43.94 38.36
Air Quality Good Good
  • Minneapolis's population is about 116% greater than Birmingham.
  • Minneapolis's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Birmingham's lower score of 0.
  • Minneapolis is more walkable than Birmingham with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Birmingham's 33 out of 100.
  • With a score of 83 out of 100, Minneapolis 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.
  • Minneapolis's crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 56.06 compared to Birmingham's 61.64. This means that Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
  • Minneapolis is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 43.94 vs Birmingham's 38.36.
  • Air quality in Minneapolis is good, and in Birmingham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Birmingham vs. Minneapolis move

  • Weather: Minneapolis has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Minneapolis experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
  • 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Minnesota 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 Minneapolis. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Minneapolis

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Lakes", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Minneapolis.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Linden Hills
  • Loring Park
  • Northeast Minneapolis
  • Uptown
  • Whittier

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Diamond Lake
  • Fulton
  • Kenny
  • Linden Hills
  • Minnehaha

Things to do in Minneapolis

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

  • Arts and culture: Minneapolis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Museum, American Swedish Institute, The Museum of Russian Art, and Foshay Tower.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Minnehaha Park, Mill Ruins Park, Loring Park, and Gold Medal 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 Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Twins (MLB), or Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Birmingham to Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis?

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

The 1,072-mile journey from Birmingham, AL to Minneapolis, MN typically takes two to eight 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 Minneapolis.

Helpful moving resources