Best San Francisco to Birmingham Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Francisco to Birmingham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,342 mile move from California to Alabama go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 20 San Francisco 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 OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Birmingham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2MoveDaddy9.389.53Authorized For HHGContact
3Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.329.49Authorized For HHGContact
4Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
5New Latitude Movers9.269.55Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Francisco to Birmingham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,342 miles from San Francisco, CA to Birmingham, AL will cost on average $3,773 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Francisco to Birmingham move is roughly $9,113. 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$2,530300 ft³8.43
1 Bedroom$3,773450 ft³8.38
2 Bedrooms$6,251750 ft³8.33
3 Bedrooms$9,1131100 ft³8.28
4 Bedrooms$13,1751600 ft³8.23
5+ Bedrooms$14,7311800 ft³8.18
*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.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Birmingham to San Francisco guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Francisco to Birmingham Movers

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
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
B

Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Exceptional9.32/10
based on 634+ data points

8 22nd St

San Francisco, CA, 94107

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in...

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
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.

San Francisco vs. Birmingham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be an adventure, especially when you're venturing from a familiar city to one that's new and unexplored. To make this transition smoother, we've created a comparison of local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Birmingham, AL. This guide is designed to help you find areas in Birmingham that share the spirit and vibe of your favorite San Francisco neighborhoods, thereby making the unknown a little more familiar.

San FranciscoBirminghamHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictForest ParkHistoric charm, vibrant community life
Castro DistrictFive Points SouthDiverse, culturally rich
Mission DistrictAvondaleArtsy, with a youthful vibe
Pacific HeightsMountain BrookAffluent, with beautiful homes
SOMA (South of Market)Loft DistrictIndustrial chic, modern living spaces
Noe ValleyHomewoodFamily-friendly, with a cozy feel
Haight-AshburyCrestwood NorthBohemian, with a touch of the past
North BeachHighland ParkRich history, scenic parks
Financial DistrictDowntown BirminghamBusiness hub, urban lifestyle
Richmond DistrictHooverSuburban, with access to nature

If you're drawn to the artsy and eclectic atmosphere of the Mission District with its vibrant murals and food scene, you'll find a similar spirit in Avondale, known for its craft breweries and indie music venues like Saturn. Pacific Heights' luxuriant landscapes and historical mansions can be mirrored in Mountain Brook’s elegant estates and nature escapes, such as The Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Those who appreciate the Marina District for its waterfront parks and bustling nightlife might find Forest Park's historic homes and community-centric lifestyle a charming parallel, with the added benefit of closer proximity to green spaces like Avondale Park. Embarking on this new chapter in Birmingham, you'll discover a rich tapestry of communities each with their own unique flavor, reminiscent of the ones you've loved in San Francisco.

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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 San Francisco to Birmingham

Moving can be a massive life change, especially when considering the jump from San Francisco, CA to Birmingham, AL. This comparison aims to shine a light on the pros and cons of such a relocation, ensuring you have a well-rounded view of what to expect. From cost of living adjustments to cultural shifts, understanding these differences can greatly assist in planning your move.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Frequent fog
  • Limited parking
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • More sunny days
  • Ample parking
Birmingham, AL iconBirmingham, AL
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Fewer natural water bodies
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • More conservative area
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Cultural diversity
  • Coastal views
  • Tech job hub
  • Progressive community

While the lower cost of living and reduced traffic in Birmingham, AL, present an attractive case for those struggling with San Francisco’s high expenses and dense urban environment, there’s more to consider. For instance, the cultural vibe in San Francisco is hard to beat. Neighborhoods like the Mission District are renowned for their vibrant street art, diverse culinary scene with restaurants like La Taqueria, and historical sites. In contrast, Birmingham offers its unique charm with spaces like Railroad Park providing a green oasis in the city. Plus, Birmingham's restaurant scene, including spots like the acclaimed Highlands Bar and Grill, showcases the South's rich culinary heritage. This comparison illustrates not only the practical aspects of the move but also how it might affect your lifestyle and daily enjoyment.

San Francisco vs. Birmingham Food Guide

Food, as an integral part of local culture, greatly affects one's living experience in a new area. This is a guide aimed at making your move smoother by comparing the local cuisine between San Francisco & Birmingham , helping you acquaint with the culinary delights awaiting in your new city.

San FranciscoBirmingham
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular meat dishCioppinoBarbecue Ribs
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastJackfruit Barbecue
Top 3 iconic restaurants
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Zuni Cafe
  • Nopalito
  • Saw’s BBQ
  • Highlands Bar & Grill
  • Hot and Hot Fish Club
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

San Francisco and Birmingham both offer unique and tantalizing culinary experiences that reflect their cultural diversity and history. In San Francisco, you might find yourself indulging in a creamy bowl of Cioppino at Fisherman’s Wharf or enjoying fresh Sourdough bread from a local bakery in the Mission District. Meanwhile, Birmingham's culinary scene boasts soulful Southern classics; for example, you can savor the city's iconic Barbecue Ribs at Saw’s BBQ or enjoy a modern take on Southern cuisine at Highlands Bar & Grill. Both cities cater to a range of dietary preferences, but San Francisco is notably more vegan-friendly, with numerous establishments offering plant-based options.

San Francisco vs. Birmingham Restaurant Comparison

Finding a new favorite eatery can make a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison San Francisco and Birmingham aims to ease the transition by matching beloved San Francisco spots with their Birmingham counterparts. Whether you're craving high-end dining or casual eats, this guide has you covered.

San FranciscoBirminghamWhat You'll Love
Zuni CaféHighlands Bar & GrillSimilar emphasis on local ingredients and upscale dining
Tartine BakeryContinental BakeryRenowned for artisan breads and pastries evoking Tartine's quality
NopaOvenBirdSmall plates and a rustic atmosphere echo Nopa’s casual yet gourmet approach
La TaqueriaEl BarrioA modern twist on classic Mexican cuisine reminiscent of La Taqueria
State Bird ProvisionsHot and Hot Fish ClubUnique and innovative dishes that match State Bird’s creativity
Gary DankoBottega RestaurantOffers a fine dining experience parallel to Gary Danko’s elegance
Foreign CinemaAvondale Common HouseAn ambiance and diverse menu akin to Foreign Cinema’s
Mission Chinese FoodShu ShopA contemporary take on Asian cuisine, similar to Mission's edgy vibe
The Slanted DoorBlue PacificAuthentic Asian flavors that mirror The Slanted Door’s award-winning dishes
Brenda's French Soul FoodEugene's Hot ChickenSoul food with a twist, echoing Brenda’s Southern and French fusion

When exploring the dining scene in Birmingham, you'll find places that resonate with the spirit and flavors of San Francisco's finest. For instance, if you're missing the innovating dining experience of State Bird Provisions, a visit to Hot and Hot Fish Club could rekindle that spark with its unique dishes and inventive approach to Southern cuisine. Similarly, fans of La Taqueria’s iconic Mexican flavors will discover a new favorite in El Barrio, where the modern twist on classic dishes brings a fresh perspective to traditional flavors. It's these carefully matched dining experiences that ensure the transition from San Francisco to Birmingham is filled with flavorful discoveries and new favorites.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Birmingham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal aspect when considering a move. It's essential to compare San Francisco, CA and Birmingham, AL to understand how living experiences and costs differ significantly between these two cities, particularly in the realms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle. This comparison provides essential insights for those plotting a relocation.

ComparisonSan FranciscoBirmingham
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, ModernColonial, Tudor
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Luxury amenitiesBig yards, Historic homes

In delving deeper into the housing market differences, it’s clear that moving from San Francisco to Birmingham could offer significant financial relief in terms of both purchasing and renting properties. For those who adore the charm and intricacy of historic homes, Birmingham provides an abundance of such estates, often accompanied by substantial yards. Despite its more affordable living costs, Birmingham's lower scores in walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle suggest a trade-off against San Francisco's vibrant city life. However, for people who prioritize space, a slower pace of living, or architectural diversity that spans beyond the Victorian and modern styles dominant in San Francisco, Birmingham could be an enticing option. Homebuyers and renters moving from San Francisco might find themselves enjoying more spacious homes for a fraction of the price, albeit in a city with a different, more laid-back vibe.

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 Francisco vs. Birmingham Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the climate differences is crucial. This comparison between San Francisco, CA and Birmingham, AL will highlight the significant weather variances you can expect. Knowledge of these differences will help you adapt to your new environment more comfortably.

Summer icon
67°F/53°F

San Francisco, CA

90°F/71°F

Birmingham, AL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F/46°F

San Francisco, CA

54°F/34°F

Birmingham, AL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

53.99

Birmingham, AL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

1.6

Birmingham, AL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoBirmingham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesTornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In moving from San Francisco, CA, to Birmingham, AL, you'll find the summers much warmer in Birmingham, with higher humidity levels year-round. This change brings a dramatic difference in outdoor lifestyle and clothing requirements. Additionally, Birmingham experiences more rainfall annually, which can influence your choice in housing and the need for more robust storm preparations. The variety in natural disaster risks, from earthquakes in San Francisco to tornadoes in Birmingham, highlights the importance of understanding local emergency protocols. Adapting to these environmental changes will be key to making your new city feel like home.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from San Francisco, CA to Birmingham, AL, it's critical to grasp how your financial situation will shift. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in finances between San Francisco and Birmingham , providing a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of cost of living and economic climate.

ComparisonSan FranciscoBirmingham
Avg. Household Income$121,826$36,614
Cost of Living Index16490.8
State Income Tax13.35
Avg. Property Tax0.60.42
Avg. Sales Tax8.510
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismHealth Care, Banking, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from San Francisco to Birmingham, you'll notice a significant shift in your cost of living. While the average household income in San Francisco is more than double that of Birmingham, the cost of living index in San Francisco is also substantially higher. State income tax and sales tax differences will impact your take-home pay and spending. However, the cost advantages in Birmingham could potentially offer you a better quality of life. This adjustment will require some acclimatization, especially considering the economic climates of both cities, such as the dominant industries that drive the local economies.

San Francisco vs. Birmingham Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome! If you're considering a move from San Francisco, CA to Birmingham, AL, it's helpful to understand the communities you'll be joining. This quick guide provides a comparison of the politics and religious makeup of San Francisco & Birmingham , offering insights into what you can expect in terms of local culture and social atmosphere.

San FranciscoBirmingham
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticModerately Conservative/Republican-leaning
Local PoliticsProgressive social policiesMore traditional, mixed urban/suburban policies
ReligionHighly Diverse, less religious overallChristian majority, notably Baptist Birmingham's Community Info

When moving from San Francisco to Birmingham, you'll find the political landscape shifts from a predominantly liberal viewpoint to a more conservative frame of mind, though both cities engage actively in local governance and political discourse. San Francisco's progressive policies contrast with Birmingham's more traditional, albeit diverse, stance on political and social issues. Religion plays a different role in community life as well, with Birmingham having a stronger Christian presence, deeply rooted in the city's culture and social activities. Understanding these differences will help you acclimate to your new home, fostering a smoother transition.

San Francisco vs. Birmingham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can be an adventure, especially when considering how you'll navigate your new surroundings. To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like, this guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Birmingham . Discover key differences that could impact your daily life in your new home.

ComparisonSan FranciscoBirmingham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3424
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesNo

In transitioning from San Francisco to Birmingham, you'll notice significant changes in your commute and transportation options. San Francisco boasts an extensive public transit system, allowing residents to comfortably live without a car; options like BART and MUNI connect various parts of the city and beyond. Conversely, Birmingham's public transportation system is not as developed, making a car almost essential for commuting and daily errands. The average commute time in Birmingham is notably shorter, aligning with its less congested traffic conditions. This transition might be surprising but offers a chance to explore new routines and the freedom of the open road in your new city.

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