($481+) Akron, OH to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Akron, OH, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $481 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,117 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 696 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,475, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,117 or more.
- Moving containers run $971 - $3,228, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $481 - $1,280.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Akron, OH, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,139 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Akron, OH to Birmingham, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Akron to Birmingham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,139 - $5,366. Moving containers run about 37% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 76% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 696-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 696-mile route from Akron to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,475 - $4,326, container $971 - $1,833, rental truck $481 - $899, freight trailer $901 - $1,617.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,139 - $5,366, container $1,350 - $2,564, rental truck $518 - $1,112, freight trailer $1,018 - $2,092.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,973 - $8,117, container $1,772 - $3,228, rental truck $667 - $1,280, freight trailer $1,403 - $2,504.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Akron, OH to Birmingham, AL
Full-service movers for the 696-mile relocation from Akron, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,475 and $8,117. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $250 - $1,668, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Akron typically charge a base rate around $199 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Akron to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,475 - $4,326
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,139 - $5,366
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,973 - $8,117
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Akron to Birmingham.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Akron, OH to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 64% of Akron movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Birmingham, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing83% of local movers | $417 - $4,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready64% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $167 - $1,001/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $250 - $2,002 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $834 - $2,502 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,085 - $8,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $625 - $1,187 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $834 - $2,085 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $667 - $2,919 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $250 - $1,251 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $542 - $1,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $250 - $12,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $250 - $2,919+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Akron to Birmingham?
All three below meet the standards set by the Alabama Trucking Association, the group most Alabama movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Akron, OH. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Akron, OH to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Akron, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $971 and $3,228. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Akron costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Akron to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $971 - $1,833
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,350 - $2,564
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,772 - $3,228
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Akron, OH and Birmingham, AL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $584 in Akron, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $63 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $125 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to Alabama move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $971. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,350 - $2,564.
What are the best moving containers Akron to Birmingham?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Akron to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Akron:
- Summit Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 69 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 30 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Akron, OH to Birmingham, AL
A rental truck for this 696-mile move from Akron, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $481 and $1,280. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $185 - $211
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Akron daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Akron to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $481 - $899
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $518 - $1,112
- 4+ bedrooms: $667 - $1,280
Pro tip: The base rate of $481 - $1,280 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Akron to Birmingham. Fuel ($185 - $211), lodging at around $125/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $63 and $292.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $125.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $185 and $211 for the 696-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $584 for 2 movers in Akron, Ohio, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Akron to Birmingham?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Akron, OH to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Akron, Ohio, to Birmingham, Alabama. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,018 and $2,092.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Akron to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $901 - $1,617
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,018 - $2,092
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,403 - $2,504
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $63 - $125 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Akron, Ohio, for about five hours typically runs $584.
What are the best freight companies from Akron to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Birmingham fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Akron, OH vs Birmingham, AL
Good news for your budget: Birmingham isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Akron. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 81 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 48/100 and 50.39/100 here versus 33/100 and 38.36/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to Akron, OH guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Alabama in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 282 movers based in Ohio, handy for sizing up options on this 696-mile route.
Our take
The 696-mile move from Akron, OH, to Birmingham, AL, costs between $1,475 and $8,117 with full-service movers, $971 - $3,228 with a moving container, and $481 - $1,280 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,139 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Akron, OH, to Birmingham, AL
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Akron, OH to Birmingham, AL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Alabama also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Alabama?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($185 - $211), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $125/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Birmingham?
Birmingham has a walkability score of 33 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 31, compared to 48 and 43 in Akron. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Akron movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Akron handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.