Quick answer: A typical 478-mile move from Indianapolis to Birmingham runs $547–$6,303 and takes one to four days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Birmingham to Indianapolis guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Indianapolis to Birmingham
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Indianapolis to Birmingham isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
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 IN to AL move
Local moving companies servicing Indianapolis to Birmingham moves
When planning a move from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Indianapolis to Birmingham.
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies, Planes Specialized Logistics, Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co., Leaders Moving and Storage Company, Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Birmingham?
Indianapolis movers charge $75 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 | $1,298 - $3,807 | $873 - $1,937 | $508 - $892 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,372 - $6,303 | $1,575 - $2,953 | $547 - $1,080 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,315 - $9,681 | $1,996 - $3,679 | $688 - $1,275 |
Cost to hire movers from Indiana to Alabama
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Indiana to Alabama typically costs between $1,298 and $3,807. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,372 and $6,303 when moving from IN to AL. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Indiana to Alabama, you're looking at costs ranging from $4,315 up to $9,681.
Cost of moving containers from Indiana to Alabama
If you're moving from Indiana to Alabama, expect to pay between $873 and $1,937 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,575 up to $2,953. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,996 and $3,679. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indiana to Alabama
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $508 and $892 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $547 to $1,080. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $688 to $1,275.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Indianapolis to Birmingham move
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Birmingham
Moving from Indianapolis to Birmingham means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Indianapolis than in Birmingham, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Indianapolis compares to Birmingham so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Indianapolis | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,399 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $220,467 | $125,988 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $39,403 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,804 | $2,697 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,667 | $6,727 |
Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 3.15% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Birmingham are 11% lower than in Indianapolis, 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 42.9% lower than in Indianapolis. - Income in Birmingham is 33.3% lower than in Indianapolis, 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 3.8% lower than in Indianapolis.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Birmingham and Indianapolis.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham and Indianapolis.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Birmingham, since its sales taxes are 42.86% higher than what you are paying in Indianapolis.
- State income taxes in Birmingham are 58.73% higher than in Indianapolis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,885.52 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Indianapolis.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Birmingham
Birmingham | Indianapolis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 196,644 | 887,642 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 5 |
Walkability score | 33 | 31 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 43 |
Crime Index | 61.64 | 60.71 |
Safety Index | 38.36 | 39.29 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham's population is about 78% less than Indianapolis.
- Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Indianapolis's higher score of 5.
- Birmingham and Indianapolis are similarily walkable.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100.
- Birmingham and Indianapolis have a similar crime rate.
- Birmingham and Indianapolis are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Indianapolis it's good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis vs. Birmingham move
- 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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: 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.
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
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: Birmingham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Indianapolis to Birmingham?
The best time to move from Indianapolis to Birmingham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Birmingham?
With many people choosing to move from Indianapolis to Birmingham in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Indianapolis to Birmingham take?
The 478-mile move from Indianapolis, IN, to Birmingham, AL, takes one to four days. Some Indianapolis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.