Best Raleigh to Birmingham Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Raleigh to Birmingham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 556 mile move from North Carolina to Alabama go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 30 Raleigh to Birmingham moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Raleigh compared to Birmingham. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Raleigh to Birmingham Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.42 | 9.6 | Active | Contact |
2 | MoveDaddy | 9.38 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Capital Moving & Storage | 9.26 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | New Latitude Movers | 9.26 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Raleigh to Birmingham
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 556 miles from Raleigh, NC to Birmingham, AL will cost on average $2,254 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Raleigh to Birmingham move is roughly $5,400. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,518 | 300 ft³ | 5.06 |
1 Bedroom | $2,254 | 450 ft³ | 5.01 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,719 | 750 ft³ | 4.96 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,400 | 1100 ft³ | 4.91 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,774 | 1600 ft³ | 4.86 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,656 | 1800 ft³ | 4.81 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Birmingham to Raleigh guide.
Compare the 5 Best Raleigh to Birmingham Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...
Services
- Free estimates
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Fully licensed and insured
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

MoveDaddy
3114 Bellwood Dr
Birmingham, AL, 35243
About MoveDaddy
Move Daddy offers a wide variety of moving services in Birmingham, including full-service residential and commercial moves, moving labor only, apartment...
Services
- Long Distance moving
- Local moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2521318 / 875746 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
Registered Drivers | 12 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 55,000 (2022) |

Athens Moving Experts

6601 Hillsborough St # 111
Raleigh, NC, 27606
About Athens Moving Experts
Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3205320 / 204920 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
Registered Drivers | 5 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 25,000 (2021) |

Capital Moving & Storage
3450 Bush St Suite 245
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Capital Moving & Storage
Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3623752 / 1238777 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,504 (2023) |

New Latitude Movers
130 Industrial Dr
Birmingham, AL, 35211
About New Latitude Movers
New Latitude Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally started as an antique moving company,...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Storage Facilities
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2179652 / 765956 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 57 |
Registered Drivers | 54 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 450,000 (2022) |

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Raleigh vs. Birmingham Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating to a new city can be an adventure filled with unknowns. To ease the transition, we've crafted a guide to help you find familiar ground in a new place by comparing the local neighborhoods between Raleigh, NC & Birmingham, AL. This comparison will give you a glimpse into where you might find your next favorite local spot or community vibe that feels like home.
Raleigh | Birmingham | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
North Hills | Homewood | Vibrant shopping and dining scene |
Cameron Village | Five Points South | Diverse eateries and boutiques |
Five Points | Forest Park | Historic homes and artsy vibe |
Boylan Heights | Highland Park | Mix of residential and social spaces |
Warehouse District | Avondale | Breweries and creative spaces |
Oakwood | Redmont Park | Historic district with character |
Midtown | Mountain Brook | Upscale living and shopping |
Glenwood South | Lakeview District | Nightlife and dining |
Fayetteville Street | Downtown Birmingham | Urban core with cultural sites |
Hillsborough | Edgewood | Family-friendly with local charm |
For those considering a move from Raleigh to Birmingham and seeking a neighborhood with a lively atmosphere and diverse dining options, Five Points South in Birmingham mirrors Cameron Village with its blend of unique eateries and boutique shopping. Nature enthusiasts and those fond of historic homes might find Forest Park’s quaint charm and abundance of green spaces reminiscent of Raleigh's Five Points area. If you enjoy the artistic and lively brewery scene of Raleigh's Warehouse District, you'll find a similar vibe in Birmingham's Avondale neighborhood, known for its vibrant brewery scene and creative spaces. This comparison aims to help you envision your life in Birmingham by highlighting neighborhoods that offer familiar comforts and new opportunities to explore.

Things to Do in Birmingham
- Explore Birmingham Zoo.
- Visit Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Walk around Railroad Park.
- Enjoy McWane Science Center.
- Discover Vulcan Park and Museum.
- Attend a game at UAB Sports.
- Tour Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Raleigh to Birmingham
Moving from one city to another presents an opportunity to weigh the good and bad attributes of this relocation from Raleigh, NC to Birmingham, AL. By comparing the pros and cons, you get a clearer picture of what each city offers and what you might be giving up. This honest reflection aids in making an informed decision about your move.
- Higher living costs
- Fewer historic sites
- Smaller job market
- Less cultural diversity
- Lower living costs
- Rich history
- Larger job market
- More cultural diversity
- Smaller arts scene
- Fewer tech jobs
- Fewer universities
- Less green space
- Livelier arts scene
- More tech jobs
- More universities
- Greener city
Moving to Birmingham, AL from Raleigh, NC introduces you to a city steeped in rich history and cultural diversity, allowing you to explore numerous historic sites like the Birmingham Civil Rights District. The job market, particularly for those outside the tech sector, offers broader opportunities. However, Raleigh's vibrant arts scene, including areas like the Warehouse District, significantly enriches local life with museums, galleries, and live music, aspects that might be found on a smaller scale in Birmingham. Though Raleigh boasts expansive green spaces such as the Lake Johnson Park, Birmingham's historical parks and restaurants, like those in the Five Points South Neighborhood, add a unique charm and sense of community to your new home.
Raleigh vs. Birmingham Food Guide
Understanding the local cuisine is crucial when relocating, as food is a significant part of local culture and one's living experience. This is why we’re doing a comparison of the local cuisine between Raleigh & Birmingham . It’s important for you to know what culinary delights await you in your new city.
Raleigh | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | North Carolina BBQ | Fried Green Tomatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork | Barbecue Ribs |
Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Gourmet Popsicles |
Most popular vegan food | Tofu Banh Mi | Quinoa Salads |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When you move to Birmingham, you’ll dive into a rich food scene that balances traditional Southern flavors with modern culinary innovations. From the staple Fried Green Tomatoes available at most local diners to the upscale dining experience at Highlands Bar and Grill, there’s something for every palate. The city's love for barbecue is manifested through places like Saw's BBQ, a must-visit for new residents. Birmingham also takes pride in its growing health-conscious and vegan options, with spots like The Red Cat Café offering delicious Quinoa Salads. For those who enjoy exploring outdoor food scenes, the Avondale and Five Points South neighborhoods are bustling with food trucks and pop-up eaterials, reflecting the city’s high foodie scene score.
Raleigh vs. Birmingham Restaurant Comparison
Finding culinary comforts similar to those from your hometown can greatly ease the transition to a new city. This restaurant comparison chart aims to ease the move from Raleigh, NC to Birmingham, AL by highlighting equivalent dining spots. Whether you’re craving fancy feasts, casual bites, or iconic dishes, here’s how to satisfy your palate in your new locale.
Raleigh | Birmingham | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Brewery Bhavana | Trim Tab Brewing | Both offer an incredible array of beers and a vibrant atmosphere. |
Garland | Highlands Bar and Grill | Culinary creativity and high-quality ingredients shine at both. |
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey | Eugene's Hot Chicken | Both places are renowned for their unique takes on southern chicken dishes. |
Poole’s Diner | El Barrio | Modern interpretations of classic dishes define both restaurants. |
Crawford and Son | OvenBird | Both focus on local, seasonal ingredients in a cozy, refined setting. |
Bida Manda | Pho Pho | Exotic flavors and authentic dishes connect these gems. |
Death & Taxes | Bettola | Renowned for their meticulous preparation of Mediterranean cuisine. |
Morgan Street Food Hall | The Pizitz Food Hall | Both are foodie paradises housed in historic buildings. |
The Pit | Saw’s BBQ | Iconic spots for locals and visitors craving authentic barbecue. |
Angus Barn | Perry’s Steakhouse | Both provide a classy steakhouse experience with exceptional service. |
When you relocate from Raleigh to Birmingham, the culinary scene doesn’t have to be a leap into the unknown. Embrace the change by visiting OvenBird, where the dedication to locally sourced, seasonal dishes will remind you of Crawford and Son's commitment to quality and flavor. For those special nights out, Perry’s Steakhouse in Birmingham offers the same level of sophistication and exceptional dining experience that you’d expect from Angus Barn. And for a casual yet utterly satisfying meal, Eugene's Hot Chicken delivers the same comforting, soulful flavors that fans of Beasley’s Chicken + Honey have come to love. Discovering these new favorites will not only fill your belly but help Birmingham feel more like home.

Ready to start your move?
Raleigh vs. Birmingham Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape between Raleigh, NC, and Birmingham, AL can greatly impact your decision. This comparison aims to highlight the key housing aspects—from costs to lifestyle features—of each city.
Comparison | Raleigh | Birmingham |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Colonial | Historic and Tudor |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open floor plans, energy efficiency | Historic charm, large lots |
The table above captures the essence of housing dynamics in Raleigh and Birmingham. Raleigh's housing market tends to be pricier, reflecting its status as a rapidly growing tech hub. The focus on modern and colonial architecture alongside amenities such as open floor plans and energy efficiency appeals to a contemporary buyer. On the other hand, Birmingham, with its more affordable homes, offers a glimpse into history through its Tudor-style houses and listings that frequently mention "historic charm." While both cities score similarly in terms of walkability and urban lifestyle, it's the distinctive architectural styles and housing costs that set them apart for potential homeowners or renters.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL
1. Highland Park: Known for its expansive parks like Rhodes Park, it's a paradise where your pets can enjoy long walks and meet other animals in a friendly neighborhood.
2. Avondale: With its pet-friendly patios at local establishments like Avondale Brewing Company, you and your furry friend can enjoy a day out in the community together.
3. Homewood: Home to the Homewood Central Park, offering spacious areas for pets to play and paths for walking, making it ideal for pet owners looking for an active community.
Raleigh vs. Birmingham Weather Considerations
If you're considering a move from Raleigh, NC to Birmingham, AL, understanding how the weather will change is crucial. This comparison will highlight key differences and what you can expect in your new home. Comparing weather patterns between Raleigh and Birmingham helps you prepare for changes in temperature, humidity, annual rainfall, and more.
Raleigh, NC
Birmingham, AL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
Birmingham, AL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
Birmingham, AL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Raleigh, NC
Birmingham, AL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Raleigh | Birmingham |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Tornadoes, Severe Storms |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Raleigh and Birmingham enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with over 200 days of sunshine, there are subtle yet significant differences to consider. For instance, Birmingham experiences slightly higher summer temperatures and warmer winters than Raleigh, which might be a welcome change if you're not a fan of cold weather. Despite similar sunny days, Birmingham averages a higher annual rainfall, which could impact your outdoor plans or gardening activities. Additionally, considering the different natural disaster risks, such as the higher tornado risk in Birmingham, could affect your choice of location for safety and insurance considerations.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Raleigh to Birmingham
When considering relocating from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight how the cost of living, taxes, and overall economic landscape in Raleigh contrasts with that in Birmingham, providing you with a clearer picture of what to expect financially.
Comparison | Raleigh | Birmingham |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,612 | $36,614 |
Cost of Living Index | 98.2 | 90.8 |
State Income Tax | 5.25 | 5.00 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.84 | 0.33 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.25 | 10.00 |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Education, Healthcare | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance |
Affluence | Relatively Affluent | Moderately Affluent |
Poverty | Lower | Higher |
Homelessness | Less Prevalent | More Prevalent |
While Raleigh boasts a higher average household income compared to Birmingham, it's accompanied by a higher cost of living and a slightly increased state income tax rate. The property tax in Raleigh is significantly higher than in Birmingham, which has one of the lowest in the country. However, Birmingham’s average sales tax rate is substantially higher. These differences underline the importance of not just looking at income but also at how far that income will go in each city. Moreover, Raleigh's leading industries suggest a tilt towards technology and education, which may explain its slightly more affluent status in comparison to Birmingham, where manufacturing plays a bigger role.
Raleigh vs. Birmingham Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from one city to another offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new cultural and political atmosphere. This comparison aims to provide a quick glance at the politics between Raleigh & Birmingham and the religious leanings of their residents, helping you to better understand the community you're moving into.
Raleigh | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Liberal | Lean Conservative |
Local Politics | Democratic Majority | Democratic Majority |
Religion | Christianity Dominant, with diverse religious communities | Primarily Christian, with significant historical churches |
When moving from Raleigh to Birmingham, you'll find subtle but significant differences in the community's ethos. Raleigh, with its lean towards liberal politics, is home to a variety of vibrant and diverse religious communities. In contrast, Birmingham, while also maintaining a Democratic majority in local politics similar to Raleigh, tends to lean more conservative. The religious landscape in Birmingham is predominantly Christian, highlighted by its significant historical churches, symbolizing not just the city's religious but also its rich civil rights heritage. Embracing these differences can enrich your experience and broaden your perspective as you transition to your new home.
Raleigh vs. Birmingham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving between cities can dramatically change your daily commute, so understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options is key. This comparison of Raleigh & Birmingham aims to shed light on what you might expect on the roads and when using public transit in each city.
Comparison | Raleigh | Birmingham |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 24 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | Possibly, with challenges | Difficult |
When moving from Raleigh to Birmingham, you'll notice a slight difference in average commute times, with Birmingham being marginally quicker. However, the level of traffic congestion in Raleigh is a bit higher, which may affect your daily travel time more than the average suggests. Raleigh offers better public transit options, scoring higher in availability than Birmingham. This means living in Raleigh without a car could be manageable, albeit with some challenges, especially when trying to navigate the city outside of peak service times for buses and trams. On the other hand, Birmingham, while having less overall traffic congestion, offers fewer public transit options, making a car almost a necessity for navigating the city efficiently.



Additional Resources
Raleigh Moving Services
Popular Raleigh to Alabama Routes
Popular Moving Resources