($1,324) Movers From Washington DC, MD to Birmingham, AL

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Birmingham

Moving from Washington DC to Birmingham means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in Birmingham, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Washington DC compares to Birmingham so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Birmingham are 48% lower than in Washington DC, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
  Home prices in Birmingham are 78.8% lower than in Washington DC.
• Income in Birmingham is 61.3% lower than in Washington DC, 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.
• The cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 31.9% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 39.4% lower than in Washington DC.
• The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 20.00% lower than in Washington DC.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the city’s sales taxes in Birmingham are 66.67% higher than in Washington DC.
• One perk of moving to Birmingham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 13.04% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,041.64 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Birmingham

• Birmingham's population is about 72% less than Washington DC.
• Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
• Birmingham is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Washington DC'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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
• Birmingham and Washington DC have a similar crime rate.
• Birmingham and Washington DC are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Washington DC it's good.

Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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\’t require moving permits, but it\’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. You’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.

Helpful moving resources