($1,545+) Tacoma, WA to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $1,500 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $14,491 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,535 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,995, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $14,491 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,870 - $7,204, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,500 - $4,157.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,284 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Birmingham, AL
Moving options from Tacoma to Birmingham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $4,284 - $9,543 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,535 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,535-mile route from Tacoma to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,995 - $6,727 | $1,870 - $3,697 | $1,500 - $2,990 | $1,769 - $3,427 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,284 - $9,543 | $2,423 - $5,144 | $1,527 - $3,491 | $2,038 - $3,991 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,553 - $14,491 | $3,337 - $7,204 | $1,991 - $4,157 | $2,697 - $5,484 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Birmingham, AL
Hiring full-service movers from Tacoma, Washington, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $2,995 and $14,491. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,535-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $326 - $2,172, 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 Tacoma and Birmingham. For a rough baseline, movers based in Tacoma tend to start around $316 plus $133/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,995 - $6,727
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,284 - $9,543
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,553 - $14,491
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 Tacoma to Birmingham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Birmingham, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $543 - $5,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $217 - $1,303/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,606 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage35% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs35% of local movers | $1,086 - $3,258 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,715 - $10,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $813 - $1,545 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $1,086 - $2,715 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $869 - $3,801 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $326 - $1,629 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $706 - $2,172 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,801+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Tacoma, WA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,870 and $7,204. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tacoma costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,870 - $3,697
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,423 - $5,144
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,337 - $7,204
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 $760 in Tacoma, WA. 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 $81 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $163 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 Washington 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 $1,870. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,423 - $5,144, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Birmingham, AL
A rental truck for this 2,535-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Birmingham, Alabama, costs between $1,500 and $4,157. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $876 - $1,001
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| 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 Tacoma to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,500 - $2,990
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,527 - $3,491
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,991 - $4,157
Pro tip: A rental truck from Tacoma to Birmingham looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,500 - $4,157. But once you factor in fuel ($876 - $1,001) , overnight lodging ($163/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $81 and $380.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $163.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $876 and $1,001 for the 2,535-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $760 for 2 movers in Tacoma, Washington, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma 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 Tacoma, WA to Birmingham, AL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Tacoma, Washington, to Birmingham, Alabama. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $2,038 and $3,991.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,769 - $3,427
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,038 - $3,991
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,697 - $5,484
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $81 and $163.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Tacoma, Washington, for roughly five hours typically average $760.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Birmingham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Birmingham quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tacoma, WA | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 123 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,650/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $454,577 | $141,615 |
| Average income | $83,857/yr | $44,376/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 44.45/100 | 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 Tacoma, WA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Washington to Alabama, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 95 movers in Washington, so you have real options to compare for this 2,535-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,535-mile route from Tacoma, WA, to Birmingham, AL, run $2,995 - $14,491 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,870 - $7,204, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,500 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,284, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Birmingham, AL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tacoma, WA 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 do local movers charge in Tacoma?
Local movers based in Tacoma typically start around $316 as a base rate, plus $133/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Birmingham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Tacoma, WA to Birmingham, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Birmingham?
For families, Oxmoor, Crestwood South, and Redmont Park are worth a look in Birmingham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central City, Five Points South, and Highland Park tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Tacoma, WA 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 $1,527 - $3,491. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.