Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Birminghamtoggle

The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Columbus to Birmingham can be as low as $1,374 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,429.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $534 to $1,318. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbus to Birmingham

Columbus Birmingham
Average rent cost $1,441 $1,250
Average home value $238,832 $125,988
Average income (per capita) $65,075 $39,403
Cost of living (single person) $1,217 $1,155
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,292 $4,115
Unemployment rate 5.7% 5.6%
Sales tax 7.5% 10.0%
State income tax 3.5% 5.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Birmingham are 13% lower than in Columbus.
  • Home prices in Birmingham are 47.2% lower than in Columbus.
  • Income in Birmingham is 39.4% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 5.1% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 4.1% lower than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 1.75% lower than in Columbus.
  • Sales taxes in Birmingham are 33.33% higher than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Birmingham are 42.86% higher than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,847.17 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Birmingham

Birmingham Columbus
Population 196,644 905,748
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 0 5
Walkability score 33 41
Bike friendliness score 31 48
Crime Index 61.64 49.65
Safety Index 38.36 50.35
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Birmingham's population is about 78% less than Columbus.
  • Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 5.
  • Birmingham is less walkable than Columbus with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 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 Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100.
  • Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 61.64 compared to Columbus's 49.65. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
  • Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 38.36 vs Columbus's 50.35.
  • Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Birmingham move

  • Weather: Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Birmingham. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

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 singlestoggle

  • Central City
  • Five Points South
  • Highland Park
  • Fountain Heights
  • Southside

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Oxmoor
  • Crestwood South
  • Redmont Park

Things to do in Birminghamtoggle

After settling into your new Alabama home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Birmingham has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™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 cityโ€™s Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham's Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbus to Birmingham?

The best time to move from Columbus to Birmingham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Birmingham?

Because most people are moving from Columbus to Birmingham in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Columbus to Birmingham take?

The 570-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Birmingham, AL, takes one to six days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.

Helpful moving resources

Columbus moving services

Popular Ohio routes

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