($1,431) Movers From Ann Arbor, MI to Birmingham, AL

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Birmingham

Moving from Ann Arbor to Birmingham comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Birmingham is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, it’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:

• Rent prices in Birmingham are 45% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 73.5% lower than in Ann Arbor.
• Income in Birmingham is 41.2% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 23.9% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 25.9% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 60.00% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the city’s sales taxes in Birmingham are 66.67% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• State income taxes in Birmingham are 17.65% higher than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,718.29 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Birmingham

• Birmingham's population is about 59% greater than Ann Arbor.
• Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
• Birmingham is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 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 Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
• Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 61.64 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
• Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 38.36 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
• Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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