Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Birminghamtoggle

The cost of Columbus 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 Columbus to Birmingham can be as low as $1,489 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,850.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, 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 $507 to $1,331. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbus to Birmingham

Moving from Columbus 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 Columbus than in Birmingham, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Columbus compares to Birmingham so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Columbus Birmingham
Average rent cost $1,441 $1,250
Average home value $238,832 $125,988
Average income (per capita) $65,075 $39,403
Cost of living (single person) $2,784 $2,697
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,249 $6,727
Unemployment rate 5.7% 5.6%
Sales tax 7.5% 10.0%
State income tax 3.5% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Birmingham are 13% lower than in Columbus, 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 47.2% lower than in Columbus.
  • Income in Birmingham is 39.4% lower than in Columbus, 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 3.1% lower than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 7.2% lower than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 1.75% lower than in Columbus.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Birmingham are 33.33% higher than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Birmingham are 42.86% higher than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,906.25 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Birmingham

Birmingham Columbus
Population 196,644 905,748
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 5
Walkability score 33 41
Bike friendliness score 31 48
Crime Index 61.64 49.65
Safety Index 38.36 50.35
Air Quality Good Good
  • Birmingham's population is about 78% less than Columbus.
  • Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Columbus's higher score of 5.
  • Birmingham is less walkable than Columbus with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 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 Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100.
  • Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 61.64 compared to Columbus's 49.65. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
  • Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 38.36 vs Columbus's 50.35.
  • Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbus 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

After settling into your new Alabama home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Birmingham has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Columbus to Birmingham?

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

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

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

The 570-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Birmingham, AL, takes one to six days. Some Columbus 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