Quick answer: A move from Lancaster to Birmingham costs $1,614–$9,428 and takes six to 17 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,011-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Birmingham to Lancaster guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Lancaster to Birmingham
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Lancaster to Birmingham can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to AL move
Local moving companies in Lancaster
- Best California Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Seka Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Pros Movers, Pure Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lancaster to Birmingham?
Lancaster movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,613 - $6,082 | $1,450 - $3,515 | $1,433 - $2,736 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,083 - $9,428 | $2,478 - $5,151 | $1,614 - $3,421 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,123 - $13,243 | $3,535 - $7,305 | $1,899 - $4,189 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Alabama
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Alabama, you can expect to spend between $1,613 and $6,082. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,083 to $9,428 on the same route (CA to AL). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to Alabama typically runs between $8,123 and $13,243.
Cost of moving containers from California to Alabama
Moving from California to Alabama? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,450 and $3,515. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,478 to $5,151. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,535 up to $7,305. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Alabama
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,433 to $2,736. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,614 to $3,421, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Alabama costs around $1,899 to $4,189.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Lancaster to Birmingham move
What to know before moving from Lancaster to Birmingham
Moving from Lancaster to Birmingham comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Birmingham is generally more expensive than Lancaster, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Lancaster | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,600 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $473,053 | $125,988 |
Average income (per capita) | $74,723 | $39,403 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,540 | $2,697 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,562 | $6,727 |
Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Birmingham are 52% lower than in Lancaster, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
Home prices in Birmingham are 73.4% lower than in Lancaster. - Income in Birmingham is 47.3% lower than in Lancaster, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Birmingham — including Encompass Health, Regions Bank, and University of Alabama at Birmingham — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Birmingham, since the cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 6.2% higher than in Lancaster. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Birmingham, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 20.9% higher than in Lancaster.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 64.10% lower than in Lancaster.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the city's sales taxes in Birmingham are 2.44% lower than in Lancaster.
- One perk of moving to Birmingham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 62.41% lower than in Lancaster.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,185.43 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lancaster.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Birmingham
Birmingham | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Population | 196,644 | 173,516 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 0 |
Walkability score | 33 | 29 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 40 |
Crime Index | 61.64 | 45.5 |
Safety Index | 38.36 | 54.5 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham's population is about 13% greater than Lancaster.
- Birmingham's public transportation has a similar score to Lancaster.
- Birmingham is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Lancaster's 29 out of 100.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Lancaster, which has a score of 40 out of 100.
- Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Lancaster with a score of 61.64 compared to Lancaster's 45.5. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Lancaster with a score of 38.36 vs Lancaster's 54.5.
- Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Lancaster it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lancaster vs. Birmingham move
- Weather: Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Alabama moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Alabama doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Birmingham. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Birmingham
Now that you've chosen B'ham as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Birmingham to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central City
- Five Points South
- Highland Park
- Fountain Heights
- Southside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oxmoor
- Crestwood South
- Redmont Park
Things to do in Birmingham
After getting comfortable in your new Alabama home, it's time to see what Birmingham is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Birmingham, such as the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, McWane Science Center, and Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham's Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Birmingham Barons, UAB Blazers, Samford University teams, or Birmingham Legion FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Birmingham?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Lancaster to Birmingham You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Lancaster.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Birmingham?
Because spring and fall moves from Lancaster to Birmingham are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Lancaster to Birmingham take?
The 2,011-mile journey from Lancaster, CA to Birmingham, AL, typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Lancaster offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Birmingham.