($525+) McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from McKinney, TX, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $581 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,112 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 661 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 $1,593, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,112 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,203 - $3,757, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $581 - $1,486.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McKinney, TX, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,377 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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We've processed 724 real quotes from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors.
Compare moving options from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL
Moving options from McKinney to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,377 - $6,174 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.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 661-mile route from McKinney to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,593 - $4,471, container $1,203 - $2,011, rental truck $581 - $1,076, freight trailer $1,000 - $1,866.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,377 - $6,174, container $1,411 - $2,784, rental truck $591 - $1,179, freight trailer $1,188 - $2,319.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,481 - $9,112, container $1,966 - $3,757, rental truck $722 - $1,486, freight trailer $1,652 - $3,006.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL
Hiring full-service movers from McKinney, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $1,593 and $9,112. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 661-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $306 - $2,040, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between McKinney and Birmingham.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McKinney to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,593 - $4,471
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,377 - $6,174
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,481 - $9,112
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 McKinney to Birmingham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas 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.
Add-ons and specialty services from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from McKinney to Birmingham. Prices are localized to McKinney costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (McKinney to Birmingham) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,020 - $3,060 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,550 - $10,200 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $764 - $1,451 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $663 - $2,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $306 - $15,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $306 - $3,570+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McKinney to Birmingham?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in McKinney, TX. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from McKinney, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,203 and $3,757. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McKinney to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $2,011
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,411 - $2,784
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,966 - $3,757
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $153 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $714 in McKinney, TX, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Birmingham, AL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,203. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,411 - $2,784, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers McKinney to Birmingham?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 McKinney 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 McKinney:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 16 years in business
- AB Moving (4.8/5), 26 years in business
- Firehouse Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL
Moving truck rentals from McKinney, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $581 and $1,486. A rental truck is the most hands-on way to move. You load your belongings into the truck yourself, drive the full 661 miles to your new home, and unload everything when you arrive. The base rate covers the truck rental only. Fuel ($215 - $245), insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) are billed separately.
Rental moving truck sizes generally run from 10 - 26 feet. The 15- to 17-foot truck is the go-to option for most 2-bedroom moves. Studio and 1-bedroom moves typically fit into a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck, while 3+ bedroom homes usually call for a 20- to 26-foot truck. Keep in mind that anything 20 feet or larger typically requires diesel fuel, which adds to your fuel budget for the trip.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from McKinney to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $581 - $1,076
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $591 - $1,179
- 4+ bedrooms: $722 - $1,486
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from McKinney to Birmingham starts at $581 - $1,486, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($215 - $245) , overnight lodging ($153/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $153 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 McKinney, Texas, usually costs about $714 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 661-mile drive falls between $215 and $245, 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 $51 and $306 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McKinney to Birmingham?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Their base rates are typically the lowest among national truck rental companies, and Budget regularly offers discounts for online bookings, AAA members, and military.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable on this list. Penske maintains a newer fleet (averaging under 2 years old) and includes unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance on every one-way move.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability option. With more than 23,000 locations and 7 truck sizes ranging from 8 to 26 feet, U-Haul covers nearly every U.S. zip code and accommodates same-day pickups in most markets.
Freight trailer costs from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from McKinney, Texas, 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 $1,188 and $2,319.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McKinney to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,000 - $1,866
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,188 - $2,319
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,652 - $3,006
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $77 - $153 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in McKinney, Texas, typically costs $714.
What are the best freight companies from McKinney to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.66/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from McKinney to Birmingham. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: McKinney, TX 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 McKinney on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McKinney, TX | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $438,120 | $141,615 |
| Average income | $120,273/yr | $44,376/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.0% |
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 McKinney, TX guide.
Our take
For a move from McKinney, TX, to Birmingham, AL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,593 for a studio to $9,112 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 661-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,203 - $3,757. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $581 - $1,486, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,377 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
How to plan your move from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL
- Compare your moving service options: Use the cost breakdown above to weigh full-service movers, containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers for your McKinney to Birmingham move against your budget and how much work you want to handle.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Run your specific move through the moving cost calculator so your estimate reflects your home size and date, not just the route averages.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Check moveBuddha's recommended full-service, container, truck, and freight companies for the McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL route and compare their ratings and standout features.
- Request free quotes: Gather free quotes from two or three companies for the McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL route; comparing offers is how most moveBuddha users save.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Verify that your chosen mover is properly licensed and insured for interstate moves by checking their record on the FMCSA site.
- Book early and time your move: Reserve your move as far ahead as possible and aim for a midweek, mid-month date outside the summer rush to save on your McKinney to Birmingham move.
FAQ
What is the best time to move from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL?
For the best combination of price and availability, plan your move between October and March. Moving demand slows down considerably in the off-season, which typically means lower rates and more scheduling flexibility across all service types on this route.
Peak season (mid-May through mid-September) brings higher prices and tighter availability. If that's when you need to move from McKinney, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama, booking early and choosing a midweek date away from the end of the month can help you avoid the worst of the price spikes.
What is the cheapest way to move from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL?
Renting a moving truck is the lowest-cost option for moving from McKinney to Birmingham, with a 2-bedroom rental truck averaging $591 - $1,179 on this route. Browse our cheapest truck rental recommendations to compare base rates and find the right fit for your DIY move.
Just remember that fuel ($215 - $245), daily insurance ($31/day), equipment rentals ($7 - $20), and overnight lodging ($153/night) stack on top of the base rate. Add up the full picture before deciding it's the right move for your relocation from McKinney, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama.
How much does it typically cost to move from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL?
Moving costs on this route run anywhere from $1,593 - $9,112, depending on your home size and what kind of help you hire. A small apartment using a rental truck lands near the lower end, while a large home with full-service movers falls closer to the top.
Full-service movers for a move from McKinney, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama, generally range from $1,593 - $9,112. DIY options like containers and trucks cost less upfront but come with additional expenses that can close the gap.
How long does a move from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL take?
Most full-service and container moves on this route are completed within 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery. That window reflects how carriers typically consolidate multiple shipments heading the same direction, which is what keeps costs reasonable.
If speed and a predictable delivery window are priorities, freight trailers are the fastest option on this route outside of driving a rental truck yourself. The tradeoff is that freight carriers expect you to be ready to receive your shipment quickly, so it's not the best fit if you need storage or your new place won't be ready right away.
If you're driving a rental truck from McKinney, Texas, to Birmingham, Alabama, the timeline is entirely up to you. Just plan for drive time and any overnight stops along the way.
What should I know before moving from McKinney, TX to Birmingham, AL?
If you can trim 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, you can save approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
It also pays to get organized early. A thorough moving checklist keeps you on track with booking deadlines, packing timelines, and everything else that needs to happen before the truck pulls up.
