Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago to Birmingham ranges from $673 to $6,424 and the journey will take approximately one to six days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 661-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Birmingham to Chicago 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 Chicago to Birmingham
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Chicago 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.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to AL move
Local moving companies servicing Chicago to Birmingham moves
When planning a move from Chicago to Birmingham, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Chicago who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Chicago to Birmingham.
- New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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 | $1,356 - $4,400 | $947 - $2,180 | $629 - $1,143 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,577 - $6,424 | $1,689 - $3,140 | $673 - $1,344 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,851 - $9,676 | $2,151 - $3,988 | $782 - $1,577 |
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Alabama
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Alabama, you can expect to spend between $1,356 and $4,400. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,577 to $6,424 on the same route (IL to AL). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Illinois to Alabama typically runs between $4,851 and $9,676.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Alabama
If you're relocating from Illinois to Alabama, you'll typically spend between $947 and $2,180 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,689 up to $3,140. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,151 and $3,988. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois 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 $629 to $1,143. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $673 to $1,344, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Illinois to Alabama costs around $782 to $1,577.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chicago to Birmingham move
What to know before moving from Chicago to Birmingham
Moving from Chicago to Birmingham means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Birmingham, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Birmingham so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chicago | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Birmingham are 39% lower than in Chicago, 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 57.4% lower than in Chicago. - Income in Birmingham is 44.9% lower than in Chicago, 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.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Birmingham. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 26.1% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Birmingham can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 27.4% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 37.78% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the city's 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 in perspective, you would need around $2,217.93 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Birmingham
| Birmingham | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,644 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 61.64 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 38.36 | 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 higher 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 has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- 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.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Birmingham move
- Weather: Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Alabama, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Birmingham Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
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
Now that you've made the move to Alabama it's the perfect time to explore Birmingham From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Birmingham features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Birmingham Barons, UAB Blazers, Samford University teams, or Birmingham Legion FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Birmingham?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Birmingham You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Birmingham?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago 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 Chicago to Birmingham take?
The 661-mile journey from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Chicago 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.
