Factors that influence moving costs from Birmingham to Myrtle Beachtoggle

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 Myrtle Beach might cost as little as $1,383, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,747.
  • 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 $503 to $1,142. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Birmingham to Myrtle Beach

Moving from Birmingham to Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Birmingham Myrtle Beach
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,850
Average home value $125,988 $299,556
Average income (per capita) $39,403 $53,985
Cost of living (single person) $2,697 $2,388
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,727 $4,791
Unemployment rate 5.6% 7.6%
Sales tax 10.0% 9.0%
State income tax 5.0% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Myrtle Beach are 48% 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 Myrtle Beach are 137.8% higher than in Birmingham.
  • Income in Myrtle Beach is 37.0% higher than in Birmingham, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Myrtle Beach include Grand Strand Medical Center, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, and Sands Resorts.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Myrtle Beach is 11.5% lower than in Birmingham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Myrtle Beach is 28.8% lower than in Birmingham.
  • The unemployment rate in Myrtle Beach is 35.71% higher than in Birmingham.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Myrtle Beach, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Myrtle Beach are 10.00% lower than in Birmingham.
  • State income taxes in Myrtle Beach are 40.00% higher than in Birmingham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,656.28 in Myrtle Beach to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Birmingham.

How life is different in Birmingham vs. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Birmingham
Population 35,682 196,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 0
Walkability score 43 33
Bike friendliness score 54 31
Crime Index 58.06 61.64
Safety Index 41.94 38.36
Air Quality Good Good
  • Myrtle Beach's population is about 82% less than Birmingham.
  • Myrtle Beach's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Birmingham's lower score of 0.
  • Myrtle Beach is more walkable than Birmingham with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Birmingham's 33 out of 100.
  • With a score of 54 out of 100, Myrtle Beach 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.
  • Myrtle Beach and Birmingham have a similar crime rate.
  • Myrtle Beach and Birmingham are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Myrtle Beach is good, and in Birmingham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Birmingham vs. Myrtle Beach move

  • Weather: May, October and April are the most pleasant months in Myrtle Beach and ideal time to move. Heat can be a main consideration you might want to look at when you're deciding to move to Myrtle Beach.
  • 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 promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: South Carolina 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 Myrtle Beach. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Myrtle Beach

Now that you've decided to make the move to "New Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Myrtle Beach.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • The Market Common
  • Carolina Forest
  • Grande Dunes
  • Pine Lakes
  • Windy Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Carolina Forest
  • The Market Common
  • Grande Dunes
  • Forestbrook
  • Barefoot Resort

Things to do in Myrtle Beach

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

  • Arts and culture: Myrtle Beach is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Hollywood Wax Museum, Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum, Wheels of Yesteryear, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Myrtle Beach State Park, Grand Strand, Savannah's Playground, and Horry County Bike Run 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 Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Carolina League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Myrtle Beach?

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

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

The 508-mile journey from Birmingham, AL to Myrtle Beach, SC typically takes one to six 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 Myrtle Beach.

Helpful moving resources