Factors influencing moving costs from Lansing to Birminghamtoggle

The cost of Lansing 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 Lansing to Birmingham can be as low as $1,521 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,808.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lansing, 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 $658 to $1,645. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lansing to Birmingham

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

Lansing Birmingham
Average rent cost $1,129 $1,250
Average home value $148,542 $125,988
Average income (per capita) $64,729 $39,403
Cost of living (single person) $1,595 $2,697
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,199 $6,727
Unemployment rate 7.4% 5.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Birmingham are 11% higher than in Lansing, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 15.2% lower than in Lansing.
  • Income in Birmingham is 39.1% lower than in Lansing, 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 69.1% higher than in Lansing. 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 60.2% higher than in Lansing.
  • The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 24.32% lower than in Lansing.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Birmingham are 66.67% higher than in Lansing.
  • State income taxes in Birmingham are 17.65% higher than in Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,072.73 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Birmingham

Birmingham Lansing
Population 196,644 112,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 5
Walkability score 33 46
Bike friendliness score 31 55
Crime Index 61.64 48.66
Safety Index 38.36 51.34
Air Quality Good Good
  • Birmingham's population is about 75% greater than Lansing.
  • Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Lansing's higher score of 5.
  • Birmingham is less walkable than Lansing with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Lansing's 46 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 Lansing, which has a score of 55 out of 100.
  • Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Lansing with a score of 61.64 compared to Lansing's 48.66. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
  • Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Lansing with a score of 38.36 vs Lansing's 51.34.
  • Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Lansing it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lansing 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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Alabama, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Birmingham has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Birmingham features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 728-mile move from Lansing, MI, to Birmingham, AL, takes one to six days. Some Lansing 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