Best Detroit to Birmingham Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Detroit to Birmingham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 752 mile move from Michigan to Alabama go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 22 Detroit to Birmingham moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is MoveDaddy), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Detroit 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 Detroit to Birmingham Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Detroit to Birmingham Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1MoveDaddy9.399.53Authorized For HHG
2New Latitude Movers9.289.55Authorized For HHG
3Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc8.498.22Authorized For HHG
4Balance Detroit8.487.79Authorized For Property, HHG
5High Quality Moving Company8.248.5Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Detroit to Birmingham?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 752 miles from Detroit, MI to Birmingham, AL will cost on average $2,421 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Detroit to Birmingham move is roughly $5,807. 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$1,629300 ft³$5.43
1 Bedroom$2,421450 ft³$5.38
2 Bedrooms$3,997750 ft³$5.33
3 Bedrooms$5,8071100 ft³$5.28
4 Bedrooms$8,3671600 ft³$5.23
5+ Bedrooms$9,3231800 ft³$5.18
*Please note: These Michigan to Alabama moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Michigan & 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 MI to AL mover.
Michigan iconArrow iconAlabama icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Birmingham to Detroit guide.

Compare the 5 Best Detroit to Birmingham Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

MoveDaddy Logo

MoveDaddy

Exceptional9.39/10
based on 1,564+ 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
1
New Latitude Movers Logo

New Latitude Movers

Exceptional9.28/10
based on 1,154+ 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
2
G

Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc

Fabulous8.49/10
based on 337+ data points

11850 E Jefferson

Detroit, MI, 48214

About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc

Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Corporate moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

279708 / 629575

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved28,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
B

Balance Detroit

Fabulous8.48/10
based on 63+ data points

Livonia, MI, 48150

About Balance Detroit

Located in Detroit, Balance Detroit is a reputable moving company offering a variety of services including white glove service, long-distance and...

Services

  • White Glove Service
  • Long Distance Moves
  • Small Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4059339 / 1539936

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved6,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
High Quality Moving Company Logo

High Quality Moving Company

Very Good8.24/10
based on 757+ data points

32401 W 8 Mile Rd

Livonia, MI, 48152

About High Quality Moving Company

High Quality Moving Company, based in Livonia, Michigan, has been serving the Detroit Metro Area since 2010. They offer a wide...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Local Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3435629 / 1178011

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2024)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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.

Detroit vs. Birmingham Neighborhood Comparison

When moving from one city to another, it's helpful to find a neighborhood that feels familiar. This guide compares Detroit, MI & Birmingham, AL local neighborhoods to help you understand your new surroundings. We'll identify similar neighborhoods, focusing on atmosphere, amenities, and vibe, making your transition smoother.

DetroitBirminghamHow They're Similar
MidtownFive Points SouthVibrant arts and entertainment
CorktownAvondaleHistoric with a strong sense of community
DowntownDowntown BirminghamUrban core, business district
Eastern MarketPepper PlaceBustling market scene
WoodbridgeForest ParkResidential, historical charm
Rosedale ParkMountain BrookUpscale, family-friendly
Palmer WoodsHomewoodWelcoming, suburban feel
MexicantownHooverDiverse, with a range of dining options
Brush ParkHighland ParkHistoric architecture, green spaces
Indian VillageEdgewoodStately homes, tight-knit community

In the vibrant Five Points South of Birmingham, similar to Detroit's Midtown, you'll find an eclectic mix of arts, dining, and entertainment. The area is home to landmarks like the Alabama Theatre, mirroring the cultural richness found in Midtown's cultural institutions. Avondale, comparable to Corktown, offers a historic backdrop with modern touches, highlighting a strong sense of community amidst revitalized buildings and breweries. For those drawn to the bustling market atmosphere of Detroit's Eastern Market, Pepper Place serves as Birmingham's answer, featuring local artisans, farmers, and chefs showcasing the best of southern hospitality and creativity. These comparisons show how each Birmingham neighborhood mirrors its Detroit counterpart, offering a seamless transition with familiar comforts and new experiences to explore.

Things To Do background image

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 Detroit to Birmingham

Moving from Detroit, MI to Birmingham, AL presents a unique opportunity to weigh the balance between the challenges and benefits of relocating. This comparison candidly explores the highs and lows of trading the Motor City for the Magic City. By examining the cons of Detroit against the pros of Birmingham, and vice versa, we aim to provide a clear, honest reflection to help guide your decision-making process.

CONs
PROs
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • Higher crime rate
  • Colder winters
  • Economic challenges
  • Limited public transit
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • Lower crime rate
  • Milder winters
  • Growing job market
  • Better public transit options
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • Smaller music scene
  • Less diverse arts scene
  • More modern cityscape
  • Higher cost of living
Detroit, MI iconDetroit, MI
  • Richer music scene
  • Vibrant arts community
  • Historic architecture
  • Affordable housing

When you move from Detroit to Birmingham, you'll trade the vibrant music scene of Motown for the burgeoning arts and culture of cities like the historic Birmingham Civil Rights District. Detroit's rich heritage in the auto industry and historic architecture can be swapped for Birmingham's scenic views and growing economic opportunities. While Birmingham boasts of a variety of parks like Railroad Park, offering extensive green spaces and community events, you might miss Detroit's iconic restaurants and the bustling atmosphere of neighborhoods like Midtown. Nevertheless, Birmingham's lower crime rate and milder winters are compelling reasons for many to make the move. Both cities have their unique charm and challenges, making it essential to weigh what aspects of city life are most important to you.

Detroit vs. Birmingham Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine is a vital aspect of immersing oneself in a new city's culture. Here, we provide a comparison of the local cuisine between Detroit & Birmingham so you can know what delightful culinary experiences await you in your new home.

Detroit
Birmingham
Most iconic local food item
Coney Dog
Barbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dish
Shawarma
Fried Catfish
Most popular street food item
Detroit-Style Pizza
Smoked Turkey Legs
Most popular vegan food
Tempeh Reuben
Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • American Coney Island
  • Buddy's Pizza
  • Saw's BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Hot and Hot Fish Club
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Birmingham, you will find the heart of Southern cooking and an ever-evolving food scene that warmly embraces both tradition and innovation. Neighborhoods like Five Points South and Avondale are bustling culinary hubs where you can taste the city’s most iconic dishes such as Barbecue Ribs at Saw's BBQ or the contemporary Southern cuisine at Highlands Bar and Grill. For those who prefer plant-based dining, places like Seeds Coffee Co. offer vegan options like the Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich, highlighting Birmingham's accommodating and diverse food culture.

Detroit vs. Birmingham Restaurant Comparison

When relocating from one city to another, discovering new favorite dining spots is key to feeling at home. This comparison of top restaurants from Detroit to Birmingham will guide you in finding your next culinary love. Compare your beloved Detroit eateries to their Birmingham counterparts and embark on a new gastronomic journey.

DetroitBirminghamWhat You'll Love
Selden StandardHighlands Bar and GrillFine dining with a focus on local ingredients
Slows BBQSaw's Soul KitchenAuthentic Southern barbecue experience
AntietamBottega CafeItalian cuisine with a refined touch, similar upscale atmosphere
Rose's Fine FoodBig Bad BreakfastHomestyle breakfast with a commitment to quality
Pupuseria y Restaurante SalvadoreñoTropicaleoAuthentic Latin American cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere
Detroit Vegan SoulGolden TempleVegetarian and vegan options with a health-conscious menu
Supino PizzeriaPost Office PiesArtisanal pizzas with a local twist
Rochester Mills Beer Co.Good People BrewingOffering a variety of craft beers in a casual setting
Cliff Bell'sThe NickHistoric bar with live music, offering a unique nightlife experience
Fishbone'sAutomatic Seafood and OystersSeafood-centric dining with a focus on freshness

Exploring the vibrant culinary scenes in both Detroit and Birmingham can yield delightful discoveries. For example, moving from enjoying the cozy, local ingredient-driven atmosphere of Selden Standard, you'll find a seamless transition to the sophisticated ambiance and Southern hospitality at Highlands Bar and Grill. Both establishments prioritize the farm-to-table philosophy. Meanwhile, barbecue enthusiasts will appreciate the transition from Slows BBQ's legendary low-and-slow cooking to Saw's Soul Kitchen, where the smoky flavors and hearty portions echo Detroit's love for quality barbecue with a distinct Alabama twist. Through these comparisons, you can embark on a culinary adventure that feels both new and familiar.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Detroit vs. Birmingham Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, examining the real estate market is crucial to understand how Detroit, MI and Birmingham, AL compare. This guide aims to highlight the key differences and similarities to help you make an informed decision.

Detroit
Birmingham
Typical Architecture Style
Historical, Modern
Colonial, Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Proximity to downtown, cultural districts
Quiet neighborhoods, green spaces

While both Detroit and Birmingham offer affordable housing options, Detroit edges out slightly in terms of median home prices and rent, making it an attractive option for homebuyers and renters alike. The historical and modern architectural blend in Detroit contrasts with Birmingham’s more uniform colonial and modern styles, offering potential residents a distinct cityscape. Despite Detroit’s higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores, Birmingham's emphasis on quiet neighborhoods and ample green spaces as listed in real estate advertisements may appeal to those looking for a more relaxed environment. Both cities, however, exhibit charm and potential for anyone looking to call them home.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Birmingham, AL

1. Highland Park : You’ll love Highland Park for its abundant green spaces and pet-friendly walking trails.

2. Forest Park : In Forest Park, you and your pets can enjoy a tight-knit community vibe and easy access to local parks.

3. Homewood : Homewood offers a welcoming environment with numerous pet-friendly cafes and a dog park nearby.

Detroit vs. Birmingham Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another means adjusting to a new climate. By comparing weather patterns between Detroit, MI, and Birmingham, AL, you'll have a clearer understanding of what changes to expect. This awareness can help in planning your relocation and adapting to your new environment more comfortably.

Detroit
Birmingham
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Ice
Tornadoes, Thunderstorms
Air Quality
Moderate
Moderate to Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

83°F / 63°F
90°F / 71°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

35°F / 22°F
54°F / 34°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

34"
53"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

34"
2"


When moving from Detroit to Birmingham, you'll encounter hotter summers with higher average temperatures and more days of sunshine, reflecting a marked climate difference. Winters in Birmingham are milder, significantly reducing the likelihood of snow compared to Detroit's snowy season. The higher annual rainfall in Birmingham suggests a wetter climate overall, which might take some adjustment in terms of outdoor activities and home maintenance. Understanding these weather comparisons can greatly assist in adapting to your new environment in Birmingham, ensuring you're prepared for its warmer, yet sometimes wetter conditions.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Detroit to Birmingham

When moving from one location to another, comparing the cost of living is crucial. This comparison will help you understand how Detroit, MI to Birmingham, AL will affect your finances.

Detroit
Birmingham
Avg. Household Income
$36,140
$36,614
Cost of Living Index
99.4
90.8
State Income Tax
4.25
5
Avg. Property Tax
3.1
0.65
Avg. Sales Tax
6
9
Top 3 Industries
Automotive, Technology, Health Care
Health Care, Banking, Manufacturing
Affluence
Moderate
Moderately High
Poverty
High
Moderate
Homelessness
Noticeable
Less noticeable

Understanding the difference in financial aspects between Detroit, MI, and Birmingham, AL, can help you prepare for your move. Detroit has a higher average property tax rate compared to Birmingham, which may influence your decision on homeownership. However, the overall cost of living index is quite comparable between the two cities. Additionally, the industries leading each city's economy are different, reflecting diverse job opportunities. Birmingham tends to have a slightly higher affluence level and a moderate description of poverty and homelessness compared to Detroit. These factors combined can offer a different lifestyle and potentially new opportunities upon your relocation.

Detroit vs. Birmingham Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Detroit, MI to Birmingham, AL, it's valuable to look beyond the surface. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in each city, helping you understand the communities you're moving from and to.

Detroit
Birmingham
Political Make-up
Largely Democratic
Largely Democratic
Local Politics
Progressive policies
Mix of progressive and traditional
Religion
Diverse, with a strong Christian presence
Primarily Christian, with a significant Baptist community

The political makeup of both Detroit and Birmingham leans significantly towards the Democratic side, although local policies may vary, reflecting a blend of progressive initiatives in Detroit while Birmingham showcases a mixture of both progressive and traditional stances. Religion plays a vital role in the daily lives of many residents in both cities. In Detroit, you'll find a broad diversity of religious beliefs, but with a notable Christian presence. Birmingham's religious landscape is predominantly Christian, with the Baptist denomination playing a significant role in the community's spiritual life. Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the cultural and social environment of your new home.

Detroit vs. Birmingham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is vital when moving. This comparison between traffic and transportation options in Detroit & Birmingham aims to help you navigate your new city with ease.

Detroit
Birmingham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
26
24
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
4 out of 10
2 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possibly, with effort
Challenging

Moving from Detroit to Birmingham, you'll notice some differences in your daily commute. Although the average commute time is slightly shorter in Birmingham, the city experiences less traffic congestion. However, Birmingham's public transit options are not as robust as Detroit's, which might make getting around without a car more challenging. This emphasizes the importance of having access to a personal vehicle when living in Birmingham, whereas in Detroit, one could manage, albeit with some effort, to rely on public transportation.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Detroit to Birmingham Movers Featured Image