($149+) Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $149 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,497 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $738, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,497 or more.
- Moving containers run $737 - $2,132, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $149 - $326.
- 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 $1,191 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 Chattanooga, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham to Chattanooga: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,191 - $3,537. Containers cost roughly 26% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 86% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 147 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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 makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $738 - $3,026 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($737 - $1,272), rental truck ($149 - $258), or freight trailer ($643 - $1,056). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,191 - $3,537 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $4,497.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN
For the 147-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, full-service movers cost between $738 and $4,497. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $265 - $1,764 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Birmingham generally start around $310 plus $175 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $738 - $3,026
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,191 - $3,537
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,722 - $4,497
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.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chattanooga, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $441 - $4,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% 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 coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% 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 items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $882 - $2,205 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $706 - $3,087 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling5% of local movers | $265 - $1,323 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc | $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 route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 Chattanooga with a local mover averages $1,180 - $3,502. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Birmingham, AL often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.5/5 stars) is a local mover in Birmingham, based on our analysis of feedback from 310 customers, 64.8% of which is positive.
Address: 47 Longview Cir, Alabaster, AL, 35007 | Founded: 1999
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $737 and $2,132. 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: $737 - $1,272
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $881 - $1,599
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,134 - $2,132
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $617 in Birmingham, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $66 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $132 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chattanooga, TN, destination before booking.
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 $737. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $881 - $1,599.
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:
- New Latitude Movers (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- Changing Spaces Moving Inc (4.9/5), 22 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN
Plan on $149 - $326 for a rental moving truck on the 147-mile route from Birmingham, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $149 - $258
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $163 - $286
- 4+ bedrooms: $199 - $326
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Birmingham to Chattanooga starts at $149 - $326, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($41 - $47), overnight lodging ($132/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $132 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Birmingham, Alabama, usually costs about $617 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 147-mile drive falls between $41 and $47, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $44 and $265 to your total.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Birmingham, Alabama, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $706 and $1,347.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $643 - $1,056
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $706 - $1,347
- 4+ bedrooms: $984 - $1,688
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Birmingham, Alabama, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $617.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $66 - $132 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Chattanooga?
- 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Birmingham, AL vs Chattanooga, TN
Birmingham and Chattanooga land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Birmingham and 90 in Chattanooga, and average rent is $1,250/mo vs. $1,475/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 33 vs 29 and safety scores are 38.36 vs 46.11.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Tennessee, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 112 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 147-mile move.
Our take
The 147-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Chattanooga, TN, costs between $738 and $4,497 with full-service movers, $737 - $2,132 with a moving container, and $149 - $326 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,191 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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
Is Chattanooga a safe place to live?
Chattanooga has a safety index of 46.11 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.89, compared to 38.36 and 61.64 in Birmingham. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 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.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.