Factors influencing moving costs from Wichita to Birmingham
What to know before moving from Wichita to Birmingham
Moving from Wichita to Birmingham comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Birmingham is generally more expensive than Wichita, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Wichita | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $930 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $190,905 | $125,988 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,712 | $39,403 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,107 | $2,697 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,818 | $6,727 |
Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 5.7% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Birmingham are 34% higher than in Wichita, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
Home prices in Birmingham are 34.0% lower than in Wichita. - Income in Birmingham is 35.1% lower than in Wichita, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Birmingham include Encompass Health, Regions Bank, and University of Alabama at Birmingham.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Birmingham, since the cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 28.0% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Birmingham, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 15.6% higher than in Wichita.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 5.08% lower than in Wichita.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the cityโs sales taxes in Birmingham are 33.33% higher than in Wichita.
- One perk of moving to Birmingham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 12.28% lower than in Wichita.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,840.06 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.
How life is different in Wichita vs. Birmingham
Birmingham | Wichita | |
---|---|---|
Population | 196,644 | 397,532 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 3 |
Walkability score | 33 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 44 |
Crime Index | 61.64 | 49.19 |
Safety Index | 38.36 | 50.81 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Birmingham's population is about 51% less than Wichita.
- Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Wichita's higher score of 3.
- Birmingham and Wichita 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 Wichita, which has a score of 44 out of 100.
- Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Wichita with a score of 61.64 compared to Wichita's 49.19. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Wichita neighborhoods are safer than 49.19%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Wichita with a score of 38.36 vs Wichita's 50.81.
- Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Wichita it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Wichita vs. Birmingham move
- Weather: Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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 check the status of a Alabama moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Alabama doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Birmingham. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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.
Where to live in Birmingham
Ready to relocate to "B'ham"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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, itโs time to see what Birmingham is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Birmingham include museums and art 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 cityโs Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham's Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Birmingham?
The best time to move from Wichita to Birmingham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Wichita.
When is the cheapest time to move from Wichita to Birmingham?
Because most people are moving from Wichita to Birmingham in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Wichita to Birmingham take?
The 813-mile move from Wichita, KS, to Birmingham, AL, takes two to seven days. Some Wichita movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.