Chattanooga, TN to Birmingham, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chattanooga to Birmingham typically costs $1,400–$4,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 147 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chattanooga to Birmingham
Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Birmingham, AL typically costs $1,400–$4,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 147-mile move from Chattanooga to Birmingham, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $2,132 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $2,212 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,813 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 09, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chattanooga to Birmingham move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $800 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,300 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Chattanooga.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $200 to $400, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN guide.
Best Chattanooga to Birmingham movers by type
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chattanooga to Birmingham
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Chattanooga to Birmingham much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TN→AL movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 71 Tennessee movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Birmingham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Birmingham runs about -18% higher for singles and 55% higher for families than Chattanooga.
Singles spend around $2,697 in Birmingham versus $3,300 in Chattanooga; families pay $6,727 compared with $4,350.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chattanooga | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,517 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,138 | $2,612 |
| Average home value | $302,565 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,164 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,300 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,350 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.0% |
- When relocating from Chattanooga to Birmingham, expect to find rent about 15% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 58% more affordable in Birmingham compared to Chattanooga.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 35% lower in Birmingham compared to Chattanooga.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Birmingham, as the cost of living for a single person is 18% lower compared to Chattanooga.
- 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 55% higher than in Chattanooga.
- With Birmingham and Chattanooga having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes in Birmingham are 8% more than in Chattanooga, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Alabama has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Chattanooga and Birmingham:
| Living Expense | Chattanooga | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $160.78 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.00 | $49.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.92 | $4.20 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.58 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $47.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chattanooga than in Birmingham, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chattanooga than in Birmingham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chattanooga than in Birmingham.
- Bread is more expensive in Chattanooga than in Birmingham.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Chattanooga than in Birmingham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chattanooga than in Birmingham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Chattanooga than in Birmingham.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Birmingham
| Chattanooga | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 196,644 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 31 |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 61.64 |
| Safety index | 46.11 | 38.36 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham's population is about 9% greater than Chattanooga.
- Birmingham has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Chattanooga scores 3 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Chattanooga.
- Birmingham is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Chattanooga's 29 out of 100.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chattanooga, which has a score of 35.
- Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Chattanooga with a score of 61.64 compared to Chattanooga's 53.89. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Chattanooga with a score of 38.36 vs Chattanooga's 46.11.
- Air quality in Birmingham is Good, and in Chattanooga it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chattanooga to Birmingham move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Alabama’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Birmingham. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Birmingham
Planning your move to B'ham? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Birmingham.
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, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Birmingham has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- 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, and McWane Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham's Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Birmingham BaronsUAB BlazersSamford University teamsBirmingham Legion FCAlabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball leagueTragic City RollersBirmingham Bulls (SPHL)Birmingham StallionsBirmingham Squadron (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Birmingham?
Planning your move from Chattanooga to Birmingham? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Chattanooga.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chattanooga to Birmingham?
Because most people are moving from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Birmingham take?
The 147-mile journey from Chattanooga, TN to Birmingham, AL, typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Chattanooga offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Birmingham.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Chattanooga?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Chattanooga, 2 movers can manage piano relocations. 1 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Tennessee has 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
