($1,083) Movers From Columbia, SC to Birmingham, AL

What to know before moving from Columbia to Birmingham

Moving from Columbia to Birmingham comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Birmingham is generally more expensive than Columbia, it’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:

• Rent prices in Birmingham are 14% lower than in Columbia, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
  Home prices in Birmingham are 42.9% lower than in Columbia.
• Income in Birmingham is 39.1% lower than in Columbia, 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 37.9% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 57.4% higher than in Columbia.
• The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 7.69% higher than in Columbia.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the city’s sales taxes in Birmingham are 25.00% higher than in Columbia.
• One perk of moving to Birmingham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 28.57% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,136.50 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Birmingham

• Birmingham's population is about 44% greater than Columbia.
• Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
• Birmingham and Columbia 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 Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100.
• Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 61.64 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
• Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 38.36 vs Columbia's 48.39.
• Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Birmingham move

• Weather: Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Alabama doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Birmingham without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Birmingham

With your sights set on "B'ham", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Birmingham.

Helpful moving resources