Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Birminghamtoggle

The cost of Baltimore movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Baltimore to Birmingham can be as low as $1,380 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,603.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Baltimore, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $675 to $1,711. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Baltimore to Birmingham

Moving from Baltimore to Birmingham comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Birmingham is generally more expensive than Baltimore, itโ€™s 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:

Baltimore Birmingham
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,250
Average home value $180,790 $125,988
Average income (per capita) $58,349 $39,403
Cost of living (single person) $2,223 $2,697
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,088 $6,727
Unemployment rate 7.9% 5.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.0%
State income tax 5.75% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Birmingham are 22% lower than in Baltimore, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
    Home prices in Birmingham are 30.3% lower than in Baltimore.
  • Income in Birmingham is 32.5% lower than in Baltimore, 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 21.3% higher than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Birmingham, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 32.2% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 29.11% lower than in Baltimore.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Birmingham are 66.67% higher than in Baltimore.
  • One perk of moving to Birmingham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 13.04% lower than in Baltimore.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,639.68 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.

How life is different in Baltimore vs. Birmingham

Birmingham Baltimore
Population 196,644 585,708
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 8
Walkability score 33 64
Bike friendliness score 31 53
Crime Index 61.64 72.72
Safety Index 38.36 27.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Birmingham's population is about 66% less than Baltimore.
  • Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Baltimore's higher score of 8.
  • Birmingham is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 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 Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100.
  • Birmingham's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 61.64 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
  • Birmingham is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 38.36 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
  • Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Baltimore it's good.

Other things to consider for your Baltimore 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s 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. Youโ€™ll 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 settling into your new Alabama home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Birmingham has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • 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 cityโ€™s Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham's Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Baltimore to Birmingham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baltimore.

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

Because most people are moving from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Birmingham take?

The 780-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Birmingham, AL, takes two to seven days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.

Helpful moving resources