($1,462) Movers From Grand Rapids, MI to Birmingham, AL

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Birmingham

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

Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Birmingham so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Birmingham are 25% lower than in Grand Rapids, 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 61.6% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• Income in Birmingham is 37.8% lower than in Grand Rapids, 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 49.4% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 6.0% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 30.23% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the city’s sales taxes in Birmingham are 66.67% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• State income taxes in Birmingham are 17.65% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,517.16 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.

How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Birmingham

• Birmingham's population is about the same as Grand Rapids.
• Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
• Birmingham is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 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 Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
• Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 61.64 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
• Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 38.36 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
• Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids 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