Best Raleigh to Birmingham Movers + Moving Guide

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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.

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Best Raleigh to Birmingham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2MoveDaddy9.389.53Authorized For HHGContact
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
4Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
5New Latitude Movers9.269.55Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,518300 ft³5.06
1 Bedroom$2,254450 ft³5.01
2 Bedrooms$3,719750 ft³4.96
3 Bedrooms$5,4001100 ft³4.91
4 Bedrooms$7,7741600 ft³4.86
5+ Bedrooms$8,6561800 ft³4.81
*Please note: These North Carolina to Alabama moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & Alabama. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed NC to AL mover.
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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 Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
MoveDaddy Logo

MoveDaddy

Exceptional9.38/10
based on 1,858+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2521318 / 875746

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved55,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,596+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (2023)
View Full Review
4
New Latitude Movers Logo

New Latitude Movers

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,265+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2179652 / 765956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans57
Registered Drivers54
Total Annual Miles Moved450,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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.

RaleighBirminghamHow They're Similar
North HillsHomewoodVibrant shopping and dining scene
Cameron VillageFive Points SouthDiverse eateries and boutiques
Five PointsForest ParkHistoric homes and artsy vibe
Boylan HeightsHighland ParkMix of residential and social spaces
Warehouse DistrictAvondaleBreweries and creative spaces
OakwoodRedmont ParkHistoric district with character
MidtownMountain BrookUpscale living and shopping
Glenwood SouthLakeview DistrictNightlife and dining
Fayetteville StreetDowntown BirminghamUrban core with cultural sites
HillsboroughEdgewoodFamily-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.

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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.

CONs
PROs
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Higher living costs
  • Fewer historic sites
  • Smaller job market
  • Less cultural diversity
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • Lower living costs
  • Rich history
  • Larger job market
  • More cultural diversity
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • Smaller arts scene
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Fewer universities
  • Less green space
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • 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.

RaleighBirmingham
Most iconic local food itemNorth Carolina BBQFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular meat dishPulled PorkBarbecue Ribs
Most popular street food itemHot DogsGourmet Popsicles
Most popular vegan foodTofu Banh MiQuinoa Salads
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole's Diner
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • Bida Manda
  • Saw's BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Hot and Hot Fish Club
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.

RaleighBirminghamWhat You'll Love
Brewery BhavanaTrim Tab BrewingBoth offer an incredible array of beers and a vibrant atmosphere.
GarlandHighlands Bar and GrillCulinary creativity and high-quality ingredients shine at both.
Beasley’s Chicken + HoneyEugene's Hot ChickenBoth places are renowned for their unique takes on southern chicken dishes.
Poole’s DinerEl BarrioModern interpretations of classic dishes define both restaurants.
Crawford and SonOvenBirdBoth focus on local, seasonal ingredients in a cozy, refined setting.
Bida MandaPho PhoExotic flavors and authentic dishes connect these gems.
Death & TaxesBettolaRenowned for their meticulous preparation of Mediterranean cuisine.
Morgan Street Food HallThe Pizitz Food HallBoth are foodie paradises housed in historic buildings.
The PitSaw’s BBQIconic spots for locals and visitors craving authentic barbecue.
Angus BarnPerry’s SteakhouseBoth 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.

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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.

ComparisonRaleighBirmingham
Typical Architecture StyleModern and ColonialHistoric and Tudor
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen floor plans, energy efficiencyHistoric 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.

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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.

Summer icon
89/68

Raleigh, NC

90/71

Birmingham, AL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
51/31

Raleigh, NC

57/36

Birmingham, AL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Raleigh, NC

53

Birmingham, AL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.5

Raleigh, NC

1.6

Birmingham, AL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRaleighBirmingham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesTornadoes, 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.

ComparisonRaleighBirmingham
Avg. Household Income$74,612$36,614
Cost of Living Index98.290.8
State Income Tax5.255.00
Avg. Property Tax0.840.33
Avg. Sales Tax7.2510.00
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, HealthcareManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
AffluenceRelatively AffluentModerately Affluent
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLess PrevalentMore 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.

RaleighBirmingham
Political Make-upLean LiberalLean Conservative
Local PoliticsDemocratic MajorityDemocratic Majority
ReligionChristianity Dominant, with diverse religious communitiesPrimarily 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.

ComparisonRaleighBirmingham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2524
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Possibly, with challengesDifficult

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.

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