($1,477+) Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL Movers
The cost to move from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL ranges from $1,522 to $13,590, with an average cost of $4,700. Moves can be as low as $1,477 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,320 miles and usually takes 7 to 18 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL
Moving options from Sacramento to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,522 - $13,590 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,700, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,320 miles and typically takes 7 to 18 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,320-mile route from Sacramento to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,522 - $6,224 | $1,989 - $3,689 | $1,536 - $2,827 | $1,738 - $3,354 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,079 - $8,106 | $2,627 - $5,179 | $1,664 - $3,569 | $2,040 - $4,310 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,738 - $13,590 | $3,574 - $7,021 | $1,979 - $4,209 | $2,887 - $5,446 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 31, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,320-mile move from Sacramento, California, to Birmingham, Alabama, with prices running from $1,522 - $13,590. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $333 - $2,220 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Sacramento and Birmingham are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Sacramento movers tend to run around $287 as a base rate plus $130/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sacramento to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,522 - $6,224
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,079 - $8,106
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,738 - $13,590
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 Sacramento to Birmingham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Sacramento to Birmingham) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $555 - $5,550 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $222 - $1,332/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $333 - $2,664 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,110 - $3,330 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,775 - $11,100 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $831 - $1,580 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,110 - $2,775 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $888 - $3,885 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $333 - $1,665 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $722 - $2,220 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $333 - $16,650+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $333 - $3,885+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Birmingham | $211/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Birmingham | $54/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Birmingham | $50/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Sacramento to Birmingham?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Alabama Trucking Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Sacramento, CA, 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 Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Sacramento, California, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,989 and $7,021. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Sacramento costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sacramento to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,989 - $3,689
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,627 - $5,179
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,574 - $7,021
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $83 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $167 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Birmingham, AL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $777 in Sacramento, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Alabama 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 $1,989. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,627 - $5,179, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Sacramento to Birmingham?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento:
- Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.6/5), 21 years in business
- Premium Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
- Double Move (4.9/5), 3 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL
Plan on $1,536 - $4,209 for a rental moving truck on the 2,320-mile route from Sacramento, California, to Birmingham, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $819 - $936
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Sacramento daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $0.89
| 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 Sacramento to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,536 - $2,827
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,664 - $3,569
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,979 - $4,209
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,536 - $4,209 does not include fuel ($819 - $936) , lodging ($167/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Sacramento to Birmingham typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $167 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $72 and $361 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $819 - $936 in fuel for the 2,320-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $777 in Sacramento, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sacramento to Birmingham?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget undercuts most competitors on base rates and layers in discounts for online bookings, AAA membership, and military service.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option here. Their newer fleet, unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance make Penske the choice when breakdown risk is the bigger concern than cost.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. U-Haul operates more than 23,000 locations and offers 7 truck sizes, giving it the largest pickup network and the broadest accommodation for last-minute or one-way moves.
Freight trailer costs from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Sacramento, California, to Birmingham, Alabama, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $2,040 and $4,310.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sacramento to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,738 - $3,354
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,040 - $4,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,887 - $5,446
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $83 - $167 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 Sacramento, California, typically costs $777.
What are the best freight companies from Sacramento to Birmingham?
- 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.
- Button Transportation, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): Button Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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: Sacramento, CA vs Birmingham, AL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Birmingham, side by side with Sacramento on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 127 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,899/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $483,739 | $141,615 |
| Average income | $83,753/yr | $44,376/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 49/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 50.79/100 | 38.36/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Birmingham, AL to Sacramento, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed over 264 quotes from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL, 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 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 2,320-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,320-mile route from Sacramento, CA, to Birmingham, AL, run $1,522 - $13,590 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,989 - $7,021, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,536 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,079, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Sacramento, CA, to Birmingham, AL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Alabama?
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.
What do local movers charge in Sacramento?
Local movers based in Sacramento typically start around $287 as a base rate, plus $130/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 Birmingham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,522 to $13,590, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,522 and $13,590, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Sacramento, CA to Birmingham, AL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,664 - $3,569. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
