$1,259 Movers From Chicago to Birmingham

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL averages from $587 to $6,146 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Birmingham, AL.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Birmingham to Chicago guide.

Moving from Chicago to Birmingham resources

Moving 662 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Birmingham?

Chicago 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 $1,259 - $4,206 $812 - $1,942 $561 - $1,051
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,465 - $6,146 $1,508 - $2,825 $587 - $1,272
4+ bedrooms $4,202 - $8,979 $2,036 - $3,968 $749 - $1,570
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 662 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Birmingham will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Birmingham?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Birmingham will cost between $1,259 to $4,206. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,465 to $6,146, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Birmingham will cost from $4,202 to $8,979.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Birmingham?

Moving containers from Chicago to Birmingham will cost you $812 to $1,942 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,508 to $2,825. A larger home will cost $2,036 to $3,968.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Birmingham?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $561 to $1,051. A larger move will cost $587 to $1,272, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Birmingham costs from $749 to $1,570. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to Birmingham moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Birmingham is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Birmingham.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Birmingham

Cost of living: Chicago vs Birmingham

Chicago Birmingham
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,271
Average home value $306,098 $126,558
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $39,403
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,075
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,808
Unemployment rate 9.0% 6.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 10.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Birmingham are 20% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Birmingham are 58.7% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Birmingham is 39.9% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 7.4% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 6.3% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 33.33% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Birmingham are 2.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Birmingham are 1.01% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,221.78 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Birmingham?

Birmingham Chicago
Population 200,733 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 9
Walkability score 33 77
Bike friendliness score 31 72
Crime Index 66.48 35.19
Safety Index 41.82 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Birmingham's population is about 93% less than Chicago.
  • Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Birmingham is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Birmingham is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 66.48 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 66.48% 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 41.82 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Birmingham

  • Weather: Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Birmingham. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Birmingham

Now that you've decided to make the move to "B'ham", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Birmingham.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Central City
  • Five Points South
  • Highland Park
  • Fountain Heights
  • Southside

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Oxmoor
  • Crestwood South
  • Redmont Park

What to do in Birmingham

These are some of the best things to do in your new Alabama home.

  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
  • Bartow Arena
  • Vulcan Park and Museum
  • McWane Science Center
  • Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
  • Legion Field
  • Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Park
  • Sips N Strokes
  • Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival
  • Birmingham Museum of Art

Get your sports on!

Birmingham is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Birmingham

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Birmingham?

The best time to move from Chicago to Birmingham is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 90ºF and the winter lows of 32ºF in Birmingham.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Birmingham?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Birmingham in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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