($1,666) Movers From Seattle, WA to Birmingham, AL

What to know before moving from Seattle to Birmingham

Moving from Seattle to Birmingham means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Seattle than in Birmingham, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Seattle compares to Birmingham so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Birmingham are 37% lower than in Seattle, 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 85.0% lower than in Seattle.
• Income in Birmingham is 49.4% lower than in Seattle, 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.
• The cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 27.9% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 31.4% lower than in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 16.67% higher than in Seattle.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the city’s sales taxes in Birmingham are 3.38% lower than in Seattle.
• State income taxes in Birmingham are 5.00% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,163.37 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Birmingham

• Birmingham's population is about 73% less than Seattle.
• Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Seattle's higher score of 8.
• Birmingham is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
• Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
• Birmingham and Seattle have a similar crime rate.
• Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 38.36 vs Seattle's 49.23.
• Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle 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