Best Birmingham to Raleigh Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Birmingham to Raleigh and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 555 mile move from Alabama to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Birmingham to Raleigh 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 Birmingham compared to Raleigh. 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 Birmingham to Raleigh Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2MoveDaddy9.389.53Authorized For HHGContact
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
4New Latitude Movers9.269.55Authorized For HHGContact
5Secure Moving Inc8.597.84Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Birmingham to Raleigh

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 555 miles from Birmingham, AL to Raleigh, NC will cost on average $2,253 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Birmingham to Raleigh move is roughly $5,398. 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$1,517300 ft³5.06
1 Bedroom$2,253450 ft³5.01
2 Bedrooms$3,718750 ft³4.96
3 Bedrooms$5,3981100 ft³4.91
4 Bedrooms$7,7711600 ft³4.86
5+ Bedrooms$8,6531800 ft³4.81
*Please note: These Alabama to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Alabama & North Carolina. 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 AL to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Raleigh to Birmingham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Birmingham to Raleigh 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
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
4
Secure Moving Inc Logo

Secure Moving Inc

Fabulous8.59/10
based on 323+ data points

900 Keystone Ct

Pelham, AL, 35124

About Secure Moving Inc

Secure Moving Inc is a licensed, insured, and vetted full-service moving company that’s been operating for over a hundred years. As...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

804775 / 358359

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved41,000 (2023)
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.

Birmingham vs. Raleigh Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the local areas. To help you find your bearings, we've conducted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Birmingham, AL & Raleigh, NC. This guide aims to match you with a Raleigh neighborhood that shares the vibe of your favorite spot in Birmingham, making the transition smoother.

BirminghamRaleighHow They're Similar
Highland ParkFive PointsHistoric, vibrant community
Mountain BrookNorth HillsUpscale, shopping and dining
Forest ParkOakwoodHistoric homes, community feel
AvondaleBoylan HeightsArtsy, eclectic vibe
HomewoodCameron VillageFamily-friendly, local shopping
Vestavia HillsStonehengePeaceful, residential, amenities
SouthsideGlenwood SouthNightlife, young professionals
HooverBrier CreekSuburban, comprehensive amenities
EdgewoodHayes BartonQuiet, affluent neighborhood
DowntownDowntown RaleighUrban living, entertainment

For those who love the historic charm and vibrant community of Highland Park in Birmingham, Five Points in Raleigh offers a similarly enticing experience. It is replete with historic sites and a lively atmosphere reminiscent of your favorite Birmingham spots. Mountain Brook's upscale vibe with its boutiques and fine dining finds its match in Raleigh's North Hills, where shopping and gourmet restaurants abound. If Avondale’s artsy and eclectic environment is what you’re leaving behind, Boylan Heights will welcome you with a similar arts-focused community and a variety of unique, local businesses. For a seamless transition, explore these neighborhoods to find parks, restaurants, and sights that resonate with your lifestyle. Discover more about what makes each Raleigh neighborhood unique and find your new favorite spot in the city.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Birmingham to Raleigh

Moving from one city to another involves a careful weighing of both sides. This guide provides an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Birmingham, AL to Raleigh, NC. To aid in this decision, we've constructed two charts: one showing the cons compared to the pros, and another reversing this perspective.

CONs
PROs
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • Higher crime rate
  • Less tech jobs
  • Hot summers
  • Fewer cultural events
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Lower crime rate
  • More tech opportunities
  • Milder summers
  • Rich cultural scene
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less community-focused
  • Fewer green spaces
  • Less BBQ variety
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • Lower cost of living
  • Strong community feel
  • Lush green spaces
  • Famous BBQ cuisine

While Raleigh, NC, presents a vibrant tech scene and a wealth of cultural events—evidenced by institutions like the North Carolina Museum of Art—it does come with a higher cost of living compared to Birmingham. That said, the transition could spell a significant lifestyle upgrade thanks to Raleigh's milder summers and lower crime rate. Local parks such as the Pullen Park offer family-friendly outdoor activities, and the city's burgeoning food scene, including renowned spots like Brewery Bhavana, provide diverse culinary experiences that are hard to match. Nevertheless, Birmingham holds its charm with a stronger sense of community and iconic BBQ joints like Saw's BBQ, making the decision to move a deeply personal one.

Birmingham vs. Raleigh Food Guide

When you're planning a move, local cuisine plays a crucial role in how you'll adapt to your new surroundings. Understanding the food scene is essential for immersing yourself in local culture. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Birmingham & Raleigh to help you get acquainted with what culinary delights await in your new city.

BirminghamRaleigh
Most iconic local food itemAlabama BBQEastern NC BBQ
Most popular meat dishFried CatfishPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemBBQ SandwichesChicken Biscuits
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Barbacoa
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Saw's BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Hot and Hot Fish Club
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • Beasley's Chicken + Honey
  • The Pit
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Birmingham, Alabama BBQ reigns supreme, with establishments like Saw's BBQ leading the charge with their mouthwatering dishes. Meanwhile, in Raleigh, the BBQ scene shifts focus towards Eastern NC BBQ, with places like The Pit offering a taste of the local flavor. Raleigh, particularly, is known for its burgeoning foodie scene and a high number of food trucks, hinting at an adventurous culinary culture waiting to be explored. For vegetarians and vegans, Raleigh offers slightly more options with establishments like Brewery Bhavana providing innovative plant-based dishes. Whether you're a meat-lover or a vegan, the transition from Birmingham to Raleigh promises to be a delightful journey filled with new flavors and experiences.

Birmingham vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison

Finding your next favorite dining spot is crucial in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Birmingham and Raleigh aims to ease your transition by matching culinary favorites from your current city with new ones in your future home. Whether high-end dining, casual eateries, or iconic spots, you're covered.

BirminghamRaleighWhat You'll Love
Highlands Bar and GrillSecond Empire Restaurant and TavernOffers a similar upscale dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients.
Saw’s Soul KitchenThe PitRenowned for its authentic Southern barbecue and soul food, mirroring Saw's comfort touch.
Hot and Hot Fish Club18 SeaboardSeafood-centric menus with a commitment to fresh, local ingredients, echoing Hot and Hot’s philosophy.
Frank Stitt's Bottega RestaurantVidrioReflects a similar love for Mediterranean cuisine with a vibrant, creative twist.
El BarrioJose and SonsBlends Mexican cuisine with Southern influences, offering a comparable fusion experience.
Post Office PiesPizza La StellaKnown for wood-fired pizzas that highlight artisanal toppings, akin to Post Office Pies' approach.
Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-QCity BarbequeCaptures the essence of traditional Southern BBQ, similar to the beloved flavors at Miss Myra’s.
Automatic Seafood and Oysters42nd Street Oyster BarBoth are celebrated for their impressive selections of seafood and oysters, emphasizing freshness.
Highland Coffee CompanyHeirloom BrewshopOffers a sophisticated coffee and tea experience with an emphasis on craftsmanship, parallel to Highland Coffee's mission.
Gianmarco’s RestaurantCaffe LunaItalian dining that focuses on hearty, homemade dishes, resonating with Gianmarco’s beloved recipes.

For those who cherish the blend of Southern comfort with a touch of elegance, Raleigh’s The Pit offers a dining experience reminiscent of Saw’s Soul Kitchen in Birmingham. Similarly, seafood lovers transitioning from Birmingham's Automatic Seafood and Oysters will appreciate the freshness and variety at 42nd Street Oyster Bar in Raleigh. And if it's the unique fusion of Mexican and Southern cuisines you're missing from El Barrio, Jose and Sons in Raleigh captures a similar essence, making your culinary exploration in your new city both exciting and familiar.

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Ready to start your move?

Birmingham vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, diving into the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in housing between Birmingham, AL and Raleigh, NC, covering key aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle. Knowing these differences can profoundly influence your decision and transition.

ComparisonBirminghamRaleigh
Typical Architecture StyleHistoric, ColonialModern, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, historic charmEnergy efficiency, community amenities

In comparing Birmingham and Raleigh, it’s evident that Raleigh commands a higher living cost, particularly seen in the housing market. The jump in median home prices and rent reflects Raleigh's thriving economy and its appeal to professionals. Architecture in Raleigh leans towards modern and Craftsman styles, accommodating those who favor contemporary living spaces over Birmingham's historical and colonial charm. Meanwhile, Raleigh's slightly better scores in walkability and bikeability, coupled with a more pronounced urban lifestyle, cater to individuals seeking an active and integrated city life. Highlighting features like energy efficiency and community amenities in Raleigh real estate listings further emphasize the city’s focus on modern living and sustainability.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

1. North Hills: With an abundance of pet-friendly shops and an expansive park, your pet will love the outdoor activities available.

2. Boylan Heights: This neighborhood is known for its pet-friendly community atmosphere and easy access to Dorothea Dix Park, a popular spot for dog walks and community gatherings.

3. Five Points: You and your pet will enjoy walking through the historical streets and visiting local pet-friendly businesses, including several cafes and eateries that welcome furry friends.

Birmingham vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations

When relocating, understanding how the weather in your new city compares to what you're accustomed to can ease the transition. This chart will help you compare the climate differences between Birmingham, AL, and Raleigh, NC, highlighting what to expect all year round.

Summer icon
90°F / 71°F

Birmingham, AL

89°F / 68°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
54°F / 34°F

Birmingham, AL

50°F / 31°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
53

Birmingham, AL

48

Raleigh, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
2

Birmingham, AL

6

Raleigh, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonBirminghamRaleigh
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, StormsHurricanes, Ice Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While the average temperatures in summer and winter are fairly close between Birmingham and Raleigh, there are differences worth noting. For instance, Raleigh experiences more annual snowfall, which is a change if you're coming from Birmingham where snow is rare. Both cities enjoy a similar number of sunny days and humidity levels. However, regarding natural disasters, Raleigh’s potential for hurricanes and ice storms differs from Birmingham's more tornado-prone climate. Understanding these nuances can help you prepare for yearly weather patterns in your new home.

Ready to start your move?

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

When you're moving from one location to another, understanding how your finances will be affected is crucial. This comparison will help you grasp the differences in cost of living and financial aspects between Birmingham, AL and Raleigh, NC, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new life.

ComparisonBirminghamRaleigh
Avg. Household Income$36,614$74,612
Cost of Living Index90.898.2
State Income Tax55.25
Avg. Property Tax0.660.84
Avg. Sales Tax107.25
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, FinanceTechnology, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModestModerate
PovertyNotableLower
HomelessnessConcerningModerate

Moving from Birmingham to Raleigh, you'll notice several financial adjustments. While the average household income is higher in Raleigh, this comes with a slightly higher state income tax rate. Interestingly, despite these differences, both cities have a cost of living index close to one another. A major point of difference is the average sales tax, with Raleigh offering a more favorable rate compared to Birmingham. This could mean more day-to-day savings for you. Additionally, Raleigh's primary industries suggest a vibrant technology and education sector, potentially offering diverse job opportunities. Understanding these nuances can help you plan a smooth financial transition to your new home.

Birmingham vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome! This brief overview provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot comparing the political and religious makeup between Birmingham & Raleigh , helping you understand the communities you're moving from and to.

BirminghamRaleigh
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsSignificant focus on urban redevelopmentEmphasis on sustainability and technology growth
ReligionStrong Christian presence, including various churchesDiverse religious landscape with a visible Christian community

When moving from Birmingham to Raleigh, you'll find both cities favor a Democratic political stance, though the local priorities differ slightly, reflecting their unique challenges and opportunities. Birmingham has been concentrating on urban redevelopment, aiming to revitalize its downtown and expand its economic base. In contrast, Raleigh's politics lean towards fostering sustainability and encouraging the growth of technology sectors, indicative of its positioning within the Research Triangle. Religious presence is strong in both cities, with Birmingham holding a more homogeneous Christian influence while Raleigh showcases a more diverse religious scene, reflecting its broader cultural diversity. This comparison offers just a glimpse into the vibrant communities you're transitioning between.

Birmingham vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in driving and transiting between Birmingham, AL, and Raleigh, NC, is crucial for anyone planning to move. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of what your daily commute and traffic might look like, helping you adjust more easily to your new surroundings.

ComparisonBirminghamRaleigh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2426
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?NoChallenging but feasible

In Birmingham, the average commute time is slightly shorter, but both cities experience relatively light traffic congestion compared to larger metropolitan areas. However, when it comes to public transit, Raleigh has a slight advantage, as it offers more options such as buses and planned commuter rail services. This makes living in Raleigh without a car more feasible, although still challenging. For individuals considering a move, it's beneficial to explore the public transit options GoTriangle in Raleigh and MAX Transit in Birmingham to better plan your commute.

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