Quick answer: A move from Madison to Birmingham costs $752–$7,178 and takes two to seven days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 815-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Birmingham to Madison guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Best Professional Movers from Madison to Birmingham
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Madison to Birmingham can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your WI to AL move
The top local movers servicing Madison to Birmingham moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Madison that also handles long-distance moves to Birmingham. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Madison who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Madison to Birmingham.
- The Armstrong Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Moving, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc., Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services, The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 217042
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3047914
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 78
DOT #: 514341
Alternate Names: Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Birmingham?
Madison movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,573 - $5,262 | $944 - $2,382 | $682 - $1,313 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,824 - $7,178 | $1,645 - $3,341 | $752 - $1,497 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,162 - $10,289 | $2,347 - $4,628 | $913 - $1,949 |
Cost to hire movers from Wisconsin to Alabama
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Wisconsin to Alabama, you can expect prices to land between $1,573 and $5,262. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,824 to $7,178 for the trip from WI to AL. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $5,162 and $10,289.
Cost of moving containers from Wisconsin to Alabama
If you're relocating from Wisconsin to Alabama, you'll typically spend between $944 and $2,382 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,645 up to $3,341. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,347 and $4,628. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Wisconsin to Alabama
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $682 and $1,313 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $752 to $1,497. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $913 to $1,949.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Madison to Birmingham move
What to know before moving from Madison to Birmingham
Moving from Madison to Birmingham comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Birmingham is generally more expensive than Madison, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Madison | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $367,934 | $125,988 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $39,403 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $2,697 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $6,727 |
Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 5.5% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 7.65% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Birmingham are 22% lower than in Madison, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
Home prices in Birmingham are 65.8% lower than in Madison. - Income in Birmingham is 37.4% lower than in Madison, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Birmingham — including Encompass Health, Regions Bank, and University of Alabama at Birmingham — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Birmingham, since the cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 17.7% higher than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- 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 23.3% higher than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 69.70% higher than in Madison.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Birmingham, since its sales taxes are 81.82% higher than what you are paying in Madison.
- One perk of moving to Birmingham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 34.64% lower than in Madison.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,530.10 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. Birmingham
Birmingham | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Population | 196,644 | 269,840 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 6 |
Walkability score | 33 | 50 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 66 |
Crime Index | 61.64 | 34.57 |
Safety Index | 38.36 | 65.43 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham's population is about 27% less than Madison.
- Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
- Birmingham is less walkable than Madison with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 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 Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
- Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 61.64 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 38.36 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Madison it's good.
Other things to consider for your Madison 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
Now that you've decided to make the move to B'ham, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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 is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, McWane Science Center, and Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham's Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Birmingham Barons, UAB Blazers, Samford University teams, or Birmingham Legion FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Birmingham?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Madison to Birmingham. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Birmingham?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Madison to Birmingham moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Madison to Birmingham take?
Covering 815 miles, the move from Madison, WI to Birmingham, AL typically takes two to seven days. Some Madison movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Birmingham can help bridge the gap.