($538+) Birmingham, AL to Austin, TX Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $538 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,205 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 785 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,735, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,205 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,001 - $3,577, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $538 - $1,416.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,418 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 Austin, TX
Moving options from Birmingham to Austin fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,418 - $5,861 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 43% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 76% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 785 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 785-mile route from Birmingham to Austin, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,735 - $4,315 with full-service movers, $1,001 - $1,863 with a container, $538 - $1,024 with a rental truck, or $949 - $1,660 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,418 - $5,861 full-service, $1,382 - $2,530 by container, $588 - $1,228 by rental truck, or $1,030 - $2,195 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,218 - $8,205 full-service, $1,762 - $3,577 by container, $699 - $1,416 by rental truck, or $1,482 - $2,806 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Birmingham, AL to Austin, TX
For the 785-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Austin, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,735 and $8,205. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $311 - $2,076 (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 Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,735 - $4,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,418 - $5,861
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,218 - $8,205
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 Austin.
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.
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 Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Austin, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $519 - $5,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $208 - $1,246/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,491 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,038 - $3,114 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,595 - $10,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $777 - $1,477 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $1,038 - $2,595 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $830 - $3,633 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $311 - $1,557 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc | $675 - $2,076 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,633+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Austin?
All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas movers are affiliated with.
- 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Birmingham, AL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Austin, TX
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,001 and $3,577. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Austin. If you go over that window, storage in Birmingham adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,001 - $1,863
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,382 - $2,530
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,762 - $3,577
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Birmingham, AL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $727, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $156 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Birmingham, AL, and Austin, TX, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Texas 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 $1,001. 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 $1,382 - $2,530.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Austin?
- 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
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Austin, TX
A rental truck for this 785-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Austin, Texas, costs between $538 and $1,416. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $259 - $296
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Austin based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $538 - $1,024
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $588 - $1,228
- 4+ bedrooms: $699 - $1,416
Pro tip: A rental truck from Birmingham to Austin looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $538 - $1,416. But once you factor in fuel ($259 - $296), overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. 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 $727.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $259 - $296 for the 785-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 $62 and $337, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $156 per night for hotel stops on the 785-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $311 - $467.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Austin?
- 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 Austin, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, to Austin, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $934 and $2,195.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $949 - $1,660
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,030 - $2,195
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,482 - $2,806
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $78 - $156 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, typically costs $727.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Austin?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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 Austin 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 Austin, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 129 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Median home value | $141,615 | $512,969 |
| Average income | $44,376/yr | $91,461/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | None |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 38.36/100 | 59.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin, TX to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Texas, 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 142 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 785-mile move.
Our take
The 785-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Austin, TX, costs between $1,735 and $8,205 with full-service movers, $1,001 - $3,577 with a moving container, and $538 - $1,416 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 $2,418 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Austin, TX
How walkable is Austin?
Austin has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Austin, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $538 to $8,205, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,735 and $8,205, 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Birmingham, AL to Austin, TX?
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.
What do local movers charge in Birmingham?
Local movers based in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate, plus $175/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Austin run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Birmingham, AL to Austin, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.