Best San Diego to Birmingham Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
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 Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Rock Movers | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.46 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | MoveDaddy | 9.38 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | New Latitude Movers | 9.26 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. | 8.94 | 8.13 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,336 | 300 ft³ | 7.79 |
1 Bedroom | $3,482 | 450 ft³ | 7.74 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,766 | 750 ft³ | 7.69 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,402 | 1100 ft³ | 7.64 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,140 | 1600 ft³ | 7.59 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,568 | 1800 ft³ | 7.54 |


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
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3653432 / 1541470 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 7 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3177184 / 1157114 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 7 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 200,000 (2024) |

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) |

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) |

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 877737 / 383831 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 8,778 (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.
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 Diego | Birmingham | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
La Jolla | Mountain Brook | Affluent, family-friendly vibe |
Pacific Beach | Homewood | Young, vibrant atmosphere |
North Park | Avondale | Artsy with a rich bar scene |
Gaslamp Quarter | Five Points South | Bustling nightlife |
Hillcrest | Forest Park | Historic with diverse community |
Little Italy | Highland Park | Charming and walkable |
Carmel Valley | Liberty Park | Family-oriented, safe area |
Point Loma | Edgewood | Quaint with a nautical flair |
Coronado | Vestavia Hills | Exclusive with great amenities |
Del Mar | Hoover | Upscale 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 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.
- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Limited seasonal change
- More affordable
- Less congestion
- Distinct seasons
- No beaches
- More humidity
- Quieter nightlife
- 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 Diego | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fish Tacos | Fried Green Tomatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Barbecue Ribs |
Most popular street food item | California Burrito | Hot Chicken Sandwich |
Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowl | Vegetable Plate |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
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 Diego | Birmingham | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Juniper & Ivy | Highlands Bar & Grill | Fine dining with an innovative touch |
Phil's BBQ | Saw's Soul Kitchen | Renowned for BBQ and Southern dishes |
Ironside Fish & Oyster | Fish Market Restaurant | Fresh, high-quality seafood |
Puesto | El Barrio | Modern Mexican cuisine with a local twist |
Café 21 | Trattoria Zaza | Garden-fresh ingredients in Italian dishes |
Hodad's | Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint | Craft burgers and beer |
Born & Raised | Bottega Restaurant | Stylish spot for steak and Italian fare |
KINDRED | The Essential | Chic, creative vegetarian cuisine |
Petco Park (concession stands) | Regions Field (concession stands) | A variety of local eats |
Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop | Los Valedores Taco Shop | Authentic 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.

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.
Comparison | San Diego | Birmingham |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial/Spanish Eclectic | Colonial Revival/Craftsman |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean views, Solar panels | Historic 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 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.
San Diego, CA
Birmingham, AL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Birmingham, AL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Birmingham, AL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Diego, CA
Birmingham, AL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | San Diego | Birmingham |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, 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.
Comparison | San Diego | Birmingham |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $93,042 | $36,614 |
Cost of Living Index | 132.3 | 90.8 |
State Income Tax | 13.3 max | 5 max |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.76 | 0.33 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.75 | 10 |
Top 3 Industries | Military, International Trade, Research | Healthcare, Banking, Construction |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | High |
Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
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 Diego | Birmingham | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Democratic |
Local Politics | Diverse city leadership | Progressive city council |
Religion | Mixed; large Catholic community | Primarily 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.
Comparison | San Diego | Birmingham |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24.7 | 24.4 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Possible but challenging | Difficult |
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.



Additional Resources
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Popular San Diego to Alabama Routes
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