($164+) Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $164 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,760 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 147 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 $758, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,760 or more.
- Moving containers run $787 - $2,082, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $164 - $353.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,312 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham to Chattanooga: 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 $1,312 - $3,820. 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 147-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 147-mile route from Birmingham to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $758 - $3,044 | $787 - $1,332 | $164 - $276 | $701 - $1,153 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,312 - $3,820 | $933 - $1,746 | $172 - $321 | $739 - $1,340 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,822 - $4,760 | $1,263 - $2,082 | $213 - $353 | $991 - $1,734 |
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 Chattanooga, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 147-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $758 - $4,760. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $265 - $1,764. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Birmingham and Chattanooga. Local movers in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $758 - $3,044
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,312 - $3,820
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,822 - $4,760
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 Chattanooga.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chattanooga, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $441 - $4,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $176 - $1,058/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $265 - $2,117 |
| 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 | $882 - $2,646 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,205 - $8,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $661 - $1,255 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $882 - $2,205 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $706 - $3,087 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $265 - $1,323 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy | $573 - $1,764 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $265 - $13,230+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $265 - $3,087+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Chattanooga?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Birmingham, AL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Birmingham to Chattanooga with a local mover averages $1,325 - $3,858. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Birmingham, AL can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance 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 Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $787 and $2,082. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Birmingham typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $787 - $1,332
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $933 - $1,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,082
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $66 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $132 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chattanooga, TN, 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 $617 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 Tennessee 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 $787. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $933 - $1,746, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Chattanooga?
- 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 Chattanooga, TN
Truck rentals from Birmingham, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, range from $164 - $353 for the 147-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $41 - $47
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- 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 Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $164 - $276
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $172 - $321
- 4+ bedrooms: $213 - $353
Pro tip: A rental truck from Birmingham to Chattanooga looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $164 - $353. But once you factor in fuel ($41 - $47) , overnight lodging ($132/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $617.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $41 - $47 for the 147-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $53 and $287, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $132 per night for hotel stops on the 147-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $265 - $397.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Chattanooga?
- 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 Chattanooga, TN
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 Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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 $739 and $1,340.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $701 - $1,153
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $739 - $1,340
- 4+ bedrooms: $991 - $1,734
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $617.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $66 and $132 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Chattanooga?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chattanooga quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Birmingham, AL vs Chattanooga, TN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Birmingham and Chattanooga to plan around. Cost of living index: 87 vs. 90. Average rent: $1,250/mo vs. $1,475/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 33 vs. 29. Safety index: 38.36 vs. 46.11.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 46 movers based in Alabama, handy for sizing up options on this 147-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Birmingham, AL, to Chattanooga, TN, 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 $758 - $4,760 on the 147-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $787 - $2,082 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $164 - $353 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,312 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 Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Chattanooga, TN
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $758 to $4,760, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $758 and $4,760, 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.
How walkable is Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a walkability score of 29 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, compared to 33 and 31 in Birmingham. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($41 - $47), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $132/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
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.
