($514+) Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $514 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,426 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 738 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 $1,549, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,426 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,022 - $3,315, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $514 - $1,432.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,061 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 Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL
Moving options from Arlington to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,061 - $5,394 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 35% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 73% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 738 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 738-mile route from Arlington to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,549 - $4,053 | $1,022 - $1,877 | $514 - $966 | $892 - $1,672 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,061 - $5,394 | $1,340 - $2,731 | $550 - $1,136 | $1,029 - $2,164 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,708 - $7,426 | $1,688 - $3,315 | $736 - $1,432 | $1,379 - $2,625 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 738-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, with costs ranging from $1,549 - $7,426. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $400 - $2,664. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Arlington and Birmingham. Local movers in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,549 - $4,053
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,061 - $5,394
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,708 - $7,426
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 Arlington to Birmingham.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Birmingham, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $666 - $6,660 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $266 - $1,598/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $400 - $3,197 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,332 - $3,996 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,330 - $13,320 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $998 - $1,895 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,332 - $3,330 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,066 - $4,662 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $400 - $1,998 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $866 - $2,664 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $400 - $19,980+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $400 - $4,662+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Birmingham?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Alabama Trucking Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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 Arlington, VA. 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 Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,022 and $3,315. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Arlington typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,022 - $1,877
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,340 - $2,731
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,688 - $3,315
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $932 in Arlington, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $100 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $200 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Birmingham, AL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $1,022. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,340 - $2,731.
What are the best moving containers Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL
A rental truck for this 738-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $514 and $1,432. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $313 - $357
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $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 Arlington to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $514 - $966
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $550 - $1,136
- 4+ bedrooms: $736 - $1,432
Pro tip: The base rate of $514 - $1,432 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Arlington to Birmingham. Fuel ($313 - $357), lodging at around $200/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $313 - $357 for the 738-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $932.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 738-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $200 per night, adding $400 - $599 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $67 and $400.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington 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 Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL
If you're moving a larger household from Arlington, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Birmingham, Alabama.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,029 and $2,164.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $892 - $1,672
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,029 - $2,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,625
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $100 - $200 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 Arlington, Virginia, typically costs $932.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
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: Arlington, VA 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 Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $141,615 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $44,376/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 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 Arlington, VA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Alabama 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. There are 304 movers in our Virginia network to compare for this 738-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Arlington, VA, to Birmingham, AL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,549 for a studio to $7,426 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 738-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,022 - $3,315. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $514 - $1,432, 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 $2,061 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Birmingham, AL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Arlington, VA 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.
How long does a move from Arlington, VA to Birmingham, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($313 - $357), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $200/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Arlington, VA 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 $550 - $1,136. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.