($1,079) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL

1. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Birmingham

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Birmingham, you can expect to spend between $1,079 and $3,259. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,927 to $5,007 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Birmingham typically runs between $3,707 and $6,952.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Birmingham

When moving from Chicago to Birmingham, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $675 and $1,715. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,278 to $2,471. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,626 up to $3,140. 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 Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Birmingham

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Birmingham. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $467 and $882. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $519 and $1,058. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $648 and $1,203.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 39% lower in Birmingham than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 57% lower in Birmingham than in Chicago.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 45% less in Birmingham than in Chicago.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Birmingham, where the cost of living for a single person is 26% less than in Chicago.
• Moving to Birmingham could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 27% less than in Chicago.
• Birmingham experiences an unemployment rate that is about 38% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are similar in Birmingham and Chicago (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are quite comparable between Alabama and Illinois, being within a range of about 5%. This similarity helps to maintain steady financial outflows, providing a smooth transition phase.

• Birmingham’s population is about 93% less than Chicago.
• Birmingham has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Chicago scores 9 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Chicago.
• Birmingham is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Birmingham’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 61.64 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Birmingham is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 38.36 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Birmingham is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: 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 verify a Alabama moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Alabama doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Birmingham smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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.

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: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Birmingham offers cultural landmarks like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, and McWane Science Center.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham’s Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Birmingham BaronsUAB BlazersSamford University teamsBirmingham Legion FCAlabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball leagueTragic City RollersBirmingham Bulls (SPHL)Birmingham StallionsBirmingham Squadron (NBA G League) game.