Factors that influence moving costs from Birmingham to Memphis
What to know before moving from Birmingham to Memphis
Moving from Birmingham to Memphis 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 Memphis, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Birmingham compares to Memphis so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Birmingham | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,299 |
Average home value | $125,988 | $143,715 |
Average income (per capita) | $39,403 | $48,090 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,697 | $1,842 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,727 | $4,402 |
Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 8.0% |
Sales tax | 10.0% | 9.75% |
State income tax | 5.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Memphis are 4% higher than in Birmingham, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
Home prices in Memphis are 14.1% higher than in Birmingham. - Income in Memphis is 22.0% higher than in Birmingham, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Memphis include FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper.
- The cost of living for a single person in Memphis is 31.7% lower than in Birmingham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Memphis is 34.6% lower than in Birmingham.
- The unemployment rate in Memphis is 42.86% higher than in Birmingham.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Memphis, since the cityโs sales taxes in Memphis are 2.50% lower than in Birmingham.
- One perk of moving to Memphis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Birmingham.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,048.94 in Memphis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Birmingham.
How life is different in Birmingham vs. Memphis
Memphis | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Population | 633,104 | 196,644 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 0 |
Walkability score | 35 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 31 |
Crime Index | 77.49 | 61.64 |
Safety Index | 22.51 | 38.36 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Memphis's population is about 222% greater than Birmingham.
- Memphis's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Birmingham's lower score of 0.
- Memphis and Birmingham are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 41 out of 100, Memphis 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.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than Birmingham with a score of 77.49 compared to Birmingham's 61.64. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Birmingham with a score of 22.51 vs Birmingham's 38.36.
- Air quality in Memphis is good, and in Birmingham it's good.
Other things to consider for your Birmingham vs. Memphis move
- Weather: Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. 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: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Tennessee 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 Memphis. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Memphis
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Bluff City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Memphis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
After settling into your new Tennessee home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Memphis has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Memphis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell 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 Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Memphis?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Birmingham to Memphis. Youโll 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 Memphis?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Birmingham to Memphis, 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 Memphis take?
The 245-mile journey from Birmingham, AL to Memphis, TN typically takes one to two 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 Memphis.