Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to Birmingham
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Birmingham
Moving from Raleigh 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 Raleigh than in Birmingham, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Raleigh compares to Birmingham so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Raleigh | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,670 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $431,795 | $125,988 |
Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $39,403 |
Cost of living (single person) | $6,077 | $2,697 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $6,727 |
Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 7.25% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Birmingham are 25% lower than in Raleigh, 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 70.8% lower than in Raleigh. - Income in Birmingham is 1,432.0% higher than in Raleigh, so you could earn more 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 55.6% lower than in Raleigh. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Birmingham, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 10.7% higher than in Raleigh.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 30.23% higher than in Raleigh.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the cityโs sales taxes in Birmingham are 37.93% higher than in Raleigh.
- State income taxes in Birmingham are 11.11% higher than in Raleigh.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,331.41 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Birmingham
Birmingham | Raleigh | |
---|---|---|
Population | 196,644 | 467,665 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 4 |
Walkability score | 33 | 31 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 39 |
Crime Index | 61.64 | 38.87 |
Safety Index | 38.36 | 60.13 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Birmingham's population is about 58% less than Raleigh.
- Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Raleigh's higher score of 4.
- Birmingham and Raleigh are similarily walkable.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100.
- Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 61.64 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 38.36 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
- Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Raleigh it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh 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
Now that you've made the move to Alabama, itโs the perfect time to explore Birmingham. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Birmingham, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Birmingham?
The best time to move from Raleigh to Birmingham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Raleigh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Birmingham?
Because most people are moving from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Birmingham take?
The 553-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Birmingham, AL, takes one to six days. Some Raleigh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.