($1,459+) Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Portland, OR, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $1,459 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $14,284 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,484 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,875, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $14,284 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,829 - $7,176, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,459 - $4,082.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, OR, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,284 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 Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL
Moving options from Portland to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $4,284 - $9,140 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,484-mile route typically takes 7 to 18 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,484-mile route from Portland to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,875 - $6,556, container $1,829 - $3,542, rental truck $1,459 - $2,965, freight trailer $1,731 - $3,383.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $4,284 - $9,140, container $2,467 - $4,874, rental truck $1,548 - $3,194, freight trailer $1,994 - $4,143.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $7,890 - $14,284, container $3,194 - $7,176, rental truck $1,916 - $4,082, freight trailer $2,663 - $5,575.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL
For the 2,484-mile move from Portland, Oregon, to Birmingham, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $2,875 and $14,284. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $335 - $2,232 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Portland generally start around $278 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,875 - $6,556
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,284 - $9,140
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,890 - $14,284
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 Portland to Birmingham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Oregon to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market — 83% of Portland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Birmingham, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $558 - $5,580 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready83% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Service Moving | $223 - $1,339/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $335 - $2,678 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage33% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $1,116 - $3,348 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,790 - $11,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $836 - $1,588 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Service Moving | $1,116 - $2,790 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Service Moving | $893 - $3,906 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $335 - $1,674 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Service Moving | $725 - $2,232 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $335 - $16,740+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $335 - $3,906+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Birmingham?
Alabama Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Alabama, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Portland, OR, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Portland, Oregon, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,829 and $7,176. 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 Portland costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,829 - $3,542
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,467 - $4,874
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,194 - $7,176
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $84 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $167 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Birmingham, AL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $781 in Portland, OR. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Oregon 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 $1,829. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,467 - $4,874, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland:
- All Service Moving (4.8/5), 22 years in business
- 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- You Move Me (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL
Renting a moving truck for the 2,484-mile move from Portland, Oregon, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $1,459 and $4,082, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $882 - $1,008
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Portland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.19
| 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 Portland to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,459 - $2,965
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,548 - $3,194
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,916 - $4,082
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,459 - $4,082 does not include fuel ($882 - $1,008) , lodging ($167/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Portland to Birmingham typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $167 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Portland, Oregon, usually costs about $781 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,484-mile drive falls between $882 and $1,008, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $56 and $335 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland 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 Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Oregon, to Birmingham, Alabama, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,994 and $4,143.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,731 - $3,383
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,994 - $4,143
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,663 - $5,575
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $84 - $167 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Portland, Oregon, for about five hours typically runs $781.
What are the best freight companies from Portland to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Inland Company (4.76/5 stars): Inland Company is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Portland, OR vs Birmingham, AL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Birmingham, side by side with Portland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Portland, OR | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 128 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,530/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $556,420 | $141,615 |
| Average income | $88,792/yr | $44,376/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.9% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 81/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 42.63/100 | 38.36/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham, AL to Portland, OR guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Oregon 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 37 movers based in Oregon, handy for sizing up options on this 2,484-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,484-mile route from Portland, OR, to Birmingham, AL, run $2,875 - $14,284 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,829 - $7,176, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,459 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,284, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Portland, OR, to Birmingham, AL
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 is the best time of year to move from Portland, OR 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.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Birmingham a safe place to live?
Birmingham has a safety index of 38.36 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.64, compared to 42.63 and 57.37 in Portland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Portland, OR to Birmingham, AL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,548 - $3,194. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
