Best San Diego to Birmingham Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from San Diego to Birmingham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,000 mile move from California to Alabama go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 24 San Diego 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 The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Diego 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 San Diego to Birmingham Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best San Diego to Birmingham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1The Rock Movers9.499.53Authorized For HHGContact
2Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.469.62Authorized For HHGContact
3MoveDaddy9.389.53Authorized For HHGContact
4New Latitude Movers9.269.55Authorized For HHGContact
5Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.948.13Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Diego to Birmingham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,000 miles from San Diego, CA to Birmingham, AL will cost on average $3,482 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to Birmingham move is roughly $8,402. 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$2,336300 ft³7.79
1 Bedroom$3,482450 ft³7.74
2 Bedrooms$5,766750 ft³7.69
3 Bedrooms$8,4021100 ft³7.64
4 Bedrooms$12,1401600 ft³7.59
5+ Bedrooms$13,5681800 ft³7.54
*Please note: These California to Alabama moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & 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 CA to AL mover.
California iconArrow iconAlabama icon
U-turn icon

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

Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Birmingham Movers

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

The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,305+ data points

7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306

San Diego, CA, 92111

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.46/10
based on 477+ data points

2020 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA, 92108

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
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
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
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Superb8.94/10
based on 2,147+ data points

13026 Stowe Dr A

Poway, CA, 92064

About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving
  • Storage Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
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.

San Diego vs. Birmingham Neighborhood Comparison

When planning a move from one city to another, getting to know your new surroundings can be daunting. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Birmingham, AL . This guide aims to help you find a neighborhood in Birmingham that has a similar vibe to your favorite spot in San Diego, making your new city feel like home.

San DiegoBirminghamHow They're Similar
La JollaMountain BrookAffluent, family-friendly vibe
Pacific BeachHomewoodYoung, vibrant atmosphere
North ParkAvondaleArtsy with a rich bar scene
Gaslamp QuarterFive Points SouthBustling nightlife
HillcrestForest ParkHistoric with diverse community
Little ItalyHighland ParkCharming and walkable
Carmel ValleyLiberty ParkFamily-oriented, safe area
Point LomaEdgewoodQuaint with a nautical flair
CoronadoVestavia HillsExclusive with great amenities
Del MarHooverUpscale shopping and dining

In comparing neighborhoods from San Diego to Birmingham, it's interesting to note the unique yet similar characteristics they share. For instance, La Jolla's exquisite beaches and high-end dining find a parallel in Mountain Brook's lush greenery and upscale lifestyle. For those who enjoy the vibrant nightlife and diverse eateries of the Gaslamp Quarter, Five Points South in Birmingham offers an energetic atmosphere with a mix of dining and entertainment options that are sure to impress. North Park's trendy bars and local art scene are mirrored in Avondale, where you'll find a burgeoning craft beer scene and a community passionate about music and art. Moreover, if you appreciate the historic charm and community feel of Hillcrest, Forest Park's vintage homes and shaded streets, coupled with an inclusive vibe, will make you feel right at home. Each of these Birmingham neighborhoods provides a unique blend of experiences, from peaceful parks to buzzing restaurant scenes, ensuring newcomers can find a locale that resonates with their San Diego favorites.

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 San Diego to Birmingham

Moving from San Diego, CA to Birmingham, AL presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to highlight the positive and negative aspects of making such a move , providing a balanced view of what to expect. Whether it's the weather, cost of living, or lifestyle changes, understanding these dynamics is crucial for a smooth transition.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited seasonal change
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • More affordable
  • Less congestion
  • Distinct seasons
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • No beaches
  • More humidity
  • Quieter nightlife
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Beaches nearby
  • Mild weather
  • Vibrant nightlife

While the prospect of moving from San Diego's sun-drenched beaches to Birmingham's leafy suburbs might seem daunting, there are numerous benefits worth considering. Birmingham beckons with more affordable living, offering a chance to own a spacious home in areas like Highland Park without the hefty price tag common in San Diego neighborhoods. Although you'll say goodbye to the Pacific Ocean, Birmingham compensates with picturesque parks such as Railroad Park and plenty of outdoor activities at places like Oak Mountain State Park. Dining out in Birmingham also has its perks, with a burgeoning food scene that includes gems like Highlands Bar and Grill for fine dining and Saw's BBQ for a taste of authentic Southern cuisine. This move might mean lesser-known beaches and a different climate, but it opens the door to a world of new experiences and community gems waiting to be discovered.

San Diego vs. Birmingham Food Guide

Food is a vital element of local culture and what defines living in a specific area. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Birmingham, aiming to equip you with a better understanding of the culinary scene you're moving into.

San DiegoBirmingham
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaBarbecue Ribs
Most popular street food itemCalifornia BurritoHot Chicken Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlVegetable Plate
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • George's at the Cove
  • Juniper & Ivy
  • Zack's Cafe
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Saw's Soul Kitchen
  • Bottega Restaurant
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Diego, the coastal influence is unmistakable, with fish tacos being a local delight, which you can often find at the heart of the city's vibrant beach communities or waterfront dining spots. Carne asada, another beloved dish, represents the city's close ties to Mexican cuisine, and is featured in many restaurants across neighborhoods like Little Italy or the Gaslamp Quarter. On the other hand, Birmingham offers a deep dive into Southern cuisine, with its signature fried green tomatoes and barbecue ribs. The city's food scene reflects a mix of traditional Southern cooking and modern culinary innovation, evident in places like Highlands Bar and Grill or the historic Avondale neighborhood, providing an eclectic mix for food enthusiasts.

San Diego vs. Birmingham Restaurant Comparison

Finding the flavors of home in a new city is a key part of settling in. Our San Diego to Birmingham restaurant comparison aims to smooth your transition by guiding you to your next favorite eateries, using your current San Diego favorites as beacons.

San DiegoBirminghamWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvyHighlands Bar & GrillFine dining with an innovative touch
Phil's BBQSaw's Soul KitchenRenowned for BBQ and Southern dishes
Ironside Fish & OysterFish Market RestaurantFresh, high-quality seafood
PuestoEl BarrioModern Mexican cuisine with a local twist
Café 21Trattoria ZazaGarden-fresh ingredients in Italian dishes
Hodad'sJack Brown's Beer & Burger JointCraft burgers and beer
Born & RaisedBottega RestaurantStylish spot for steak and Italian fare
KINDREDThe EssentialChic, creative vegetarian cuisine
Petco Park (concession stands)Regions Field (concession stands)A variety of local eats
Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco ShopLos Valedores Taco ShopAuthentic tacos, local favorite

As you transition from San Diego's vibrant food scene to Birmingham, you'll discover restaurants that resonate with your palate and dining preferences. For fans of innovative fine dining, the experience at Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham is akin to what Juniper & Ivy offers in San Diego, with both establishments celebrating regional ingredients in their unique creations. BBQ aficionados accustomed to Phil's BBQ will find comfort in the smoked flavors and Southern hospitality at Saw's Soul Kitchen. And if your seafood cravings were satisfied by Ironside Fish & Oyster, you'll be delighted by the fresh catches and coastal vibes at Fish Market Restaurant. Each of these Birmingham spots reflect their San Diego counterparts not just in the type of cuisine offered, but in the quality, atmosphere, and dedication to creating memorable dining experiences.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

San Diego vs. Birmingham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly impacts the quality of your move, and understanding the housing market differences between San Diego, CA and Birmingham, AL can help you make informed decisions. This comparison aims to highlight the key aspects of each city's housing market.

ComparisonSan DiegoBirmingham
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial/Spanish EclecticColonial Revival/Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean views, Solar panelsHistoric properties, Large lots

In comparing the housing markets between San Diego, CA, and Birmingham, AL, several key differences emerge. San Diego, known for its Spanish Colonial-style homes, boasts a higher urban lifestyle score, likely due to its dense population, vibrant nightlife, and an array of entertainment options. In contrast, Birmingham, with its Colonial Revival and Craftsman architecture, offers a more subdued urban experience but is notable for its historic properties and larger lot sizes. The stark contrast in median home pricing and rent reflects the economic discrepancies between these cities. For those moving from San Diego to Birmingham, this could mean a significant reduction in living expenses, potentially offering a larger home or a property with more land for the same investment. Understanding these aspects can guide you toward a living situation that matches your preferences and financial objectives.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

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.

San Diego vs. Birmingham Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another can significantly impact your lifestyle, especially when considering weather differences. Understanding how San Diego's gentle climate compares to Birmingham's more varied weather will help you adjust to your new home more comfortably.

Summer icon
76°F / 64°F

San Diego, CA

91°F / 71°F

Birmingham, AL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F / 48°F

San Diego, CA

54°F / 35°F

Birmingham, AL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
12 inches

San Diego, CA

53 inches

Birmingham, AL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0 inches

San Diego, CA

2 inches

Birmingham, AL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan DiegoBirmingham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresTornadoes, Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While San Diego offers a rather consistent weather pattern with mild temperatures and low precipitation, Birmingham presents a more humid environment with higher rainfall and a significant difference between summer and winter temperatures. If you're moving from San Diego to Birmingham, prepare for hotter summers and colder winters, as well as Birmingham's higher humidity rates that may affect your daily comfort. Additionally, consider Birmingham's greater potential for natural disasters like tornadoes and storms, in contrast to the earthquakes and wildfires more common in San Diego.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it is vital to get a grip on how your finances might shift. This comparison lays out key financial aspects to consider, ensuring that you can make an informed decision. See how moving from San Diego to Birmingham influences your money and finance situation.

ComparisonSan DiegoBirmingham
Avg. Household Income$93,042$36,614
Cost of Living Index132.390.8
State Income Tax13.3 max5 max
Avg. Property Tax0.760.33
Avg. Sales Tax8.7510
Top 3 IndustriesMilitary, International Trade, ResearchHealthcare, Banking, Construction
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

For individuals and families considering the move from San Diego to Birmingham, the financial landscape offers contrasts and opportunities. The cost of living in Birmingham is substantially lower, promising greater affordability especially when it comes to housing and day-to-day expenses. However, it's important to weigh these benefits against the potentially lower average household income and different job market dynamics, with Birmingham having strengths in healthcare, banking, and construction. The significant differences in state and property taxes between the two cities will also impact your budgeting. Understanding these key financial indicators can aid in preparing for a smooth transition and a comfortable adaptation to your new home city.

San Diego vs. Birmingham Political & Religious Comparison

Before you embark on your move from San Diego, CA to Birmingham, AL, it's important to understand the community you'll be joining. This comparison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, comparing the politics between San Diego & Birmingham to help you gauge how you might fit into your new home.

San DiegoBirmingham
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsDiverse city leadershipProgressive city council
ReligionMixed; large Catholic communityPrimarily Christian; sizable Baptist presence

When moving from San Diego to Birmingham, you'll find some intriguing differences and similarities in the community dynamics. Both cities lean Democratic, showing a preference for progressive policies at the ballot box. This is reflected in the local politics, where San Diego boasts a diverse city leadership, emphasizing a range of voices and backgrounds, while Birmingham benefits from a progressive city council focused on forward-thinking city initiatives. On the religious front, San Diego has a mixed religious landscape with a large Catholic community, a testament to its diverse population. In contrast, Birmingham's religious scene is predominantly Christian, with a particularly sizable Baptist presence reflecting the traditional religious roots of the South. Understanding these aspects can help ease the transition, allowing you to blend into your new community more seamlessly.

San Diego vs. Birmingham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Birmingham is crucial if you're considering a move. This comparison will provide insight into what your daily commute and driving experiences might look like in both cities.

ComparisonSan DiegoBirmingham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)24.724.4
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingDifficult

In San Diego, you'll find a moderate level of traffic congestion and a decent public transportation system, including buses and trolleys, which makes getting around without a car possible but might present challenges. On the other hand, Birmingham, with its generally lighter traffic, tends to be more car-dependent due to the limited availability of public transit options. This could mean that, in Birmingham, having access to a personal vehicle might significantly ease your daily commute, making errands and other travel more convenient. However, both cities offer unique commuting experiences that can affect your lifestyle and mobility significantly.

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