($520+) Birmingham, AL to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $520 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,199 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 737 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,710, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,199 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,043 - $3,485, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $520 - $1,390.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,299 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 Arlington, VA
Moving options from Birmingham to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,299 - $5,724 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 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 737 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 737-mile route from Birmingham to Arlington, 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 $1,710 - $4,300 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,043 - $1,895), rental truck ($520 - $986), or freight trailer ($976 - $1,621). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,299 - $5,724 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,199.
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 Arlington, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 737-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Arlington, Virginia, with costs ranging from $1,710 - $8,199. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $353 - $2,356. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Birmingham and Arlington. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,710 - $4,300
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,299 - $5,724
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,974 - $8,199
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 Arlington.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $589 - $5,890 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $236 - $1,414/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $353 - $2,827 |
| 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 | $1,178 - $3,534 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,945 - $11,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $882 - $1,676 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $1,178 - $2,945 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $942 - $4,123 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $353 - $1,767 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc | $766 - $2,356 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $353 - $17,670+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $353 - $4,123+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Arlington?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Birmingham, AL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,043 and $3,485. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,043 - $1,895
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,601
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,688 - $3,485
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 $825 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 $88 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $177 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 Arlington, VA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Virginia 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 $1,043. 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 $1,313 - $2,601.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 737 miles from Birmingham, Alabama, to Arlington, Virginia, running $520 - $1,390. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $276 - $316
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $520 - $986
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $533 - $1,147
- 4+ bedrooms: $673 - $1,390
Pro tip: The base rate of $520 - $1,390 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Birmingham to Arlington. Fuel ($276 - $316), lodging at around $177/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $177 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 $825 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 737-mile drive falls between $276 and $316, 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 $59 and $353 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Birmingham, Alabama, to Arlington, Virginia. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,082 and $2,102.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $976 - $1,621
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,082 - $2,102
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,815
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $88 and $177.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly five hours typically average $825.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Arlington?
- 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Arlington fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Birmingham, AL vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $141,615 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $44,376/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 38.36/100 | 79.15/100 |
| 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 Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Virginia over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 142 movers in our Alabama network to compare for this 737-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Birmingham, AL, to Arlington, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,710 for a studio to $8,199 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 737-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,043 - $3,485. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $520 - $1,390, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,299 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Arlington, VA
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham, AL to Arlington, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $520 to $8,199, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,710 and $8,199, 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 Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, 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 ($276 - $316), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $177/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What is the best time of year to move from Birmingham, AL to Arlington, VA?
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. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.