Factors influencing moving costs from Charlotte to Birmingham
What to know before moving from Charlotte to Birmingham
Moving from Charlotte to Birmingham means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charlotte than in Birmingham, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charlotte compares to Birmingham so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Charlotte | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,790 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $391,658 | $125,988 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,814 | $39,403 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,158 | $2,697 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,325 | $6,727 |
Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 7.25% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Birmingham are 30% lower than in Charlotte, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
Home prices in Birmingham are 67.8% lower than in Charlotte. - Income in Birmingham is 39.2% lower than in Charlotte, 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 14.6% lower than in Charlotte. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 19.2% lower than in Charlotte.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 69.70% higher than in Charlotte.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the cityโs sales taxes in Birmingham are 37.93% higher than in Charlotte.
- State income taxes in Birmingham are 11.11% higher than in Charlotte.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,562.06 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charlotte.
How life is different in Charlotte vs. Birmingham
Birmingham | Charlotte | |
---|---|---|
Population | 196,644 | 874,579 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 5 |
Walkability score | 33 | 26 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 31 |
Crime Index | 61.64 | 46.52 |
Safety Index | 38.36 | 53.48 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Birmingham's population is about 78% less than Charlotte.
- Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Charlotte's higher score of 5.
- Birmingham is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Charlotte's 26 out of 100.
- Both Birmingham and Charlotte have the same bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, meaning Birmingham is about as safe for cyclists as Charlotte. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Charlotte with a score of 61.64 compared to Charlotte's 46.52. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 38.36 vs Charlotte's 53.48.
- Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Charlotte it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Charlotte vs. Birmingham move
- Weather: Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Alabama, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toBirmingham Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Birmingham
Now that youโve chosen "B'ham" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Birmingham to check out.
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, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Birmingham has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Charlotte to Birmingham?
The best time to move from Charlotte to Birmingham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charlotte.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Birmingham?
Because most people are moving from Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Birmingham take?
The 391-mile move from Charlotte, NC, to Birmingham, AL, takes one to four days. Some Charlotte movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.