Factors influencing moving costs from Manchester to Birminghamtoggle

The cost of Manchester 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 Manchester to Birmingham can be as low as $1,670 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 9,967.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Manchester, 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 $924 to $2,176. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Manchester to Birmingham

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

Manchester Birmingham
Average rent cost $2,004 $1,250
Average home value $410,329 $125,988
Average income (per capita) $67,132 $39,403
Cost of living (single person) $2,449 $2,697
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,256 $6,727
Unemployment rate 3.8% 5.6%
Sales tax 0.0% 10.0%
State income tax 4.0% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Birmingham are 38% lower than in Manchester, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 69.3% lower than in Manchester.
  • Income in Birmingham is 41.3% lower than in Manchester, 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 10.1% higher than in Manchester. 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 28.0% higher than in Manchester.
  • The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 47.37% higher than in Manchester.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Birmingham are 10.00% higher than in Manchester.
  • State income taxes in Birmingham are 25.00% higher than in Manchester.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,303.80 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.

How life is different in Manchester vs. Birmingham

Birmingham Manchester
Population 196,644 115,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 3
Walkability score 33 51
Bike friendliness score 31 42
Crime Index 61.64 56.09
Safety Index 38.36 43.91
Air Quality Good Good
  • Birmingham's population is about 70% greater than Manchester.
  • Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Manchester's higher score of 3.
  • Birmingham is less walkable than Manchester with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Manchester's 51 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 Manchester, which has a score of 42 out of 100.
  • Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Manchester with a score of 61.64 compared to Manchester's 56.09. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09%.
  • Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Manchester with a score of 38.36 vs Manchester's 43.91.
  • Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Manchester it's good.

Other things to consider for your Manchester 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 regulationsโ€”some 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\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Alabama, though it\โ€™s 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 youโ€™ve 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

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 Manchester to Birmingham?

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

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

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

The 1,212-mile move from Manchester, NH, to Birmingham, AL, takes two to eight days. Some Manchester 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