Best Birmingham to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Birmingham to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 714 miles from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Birmingham. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Birmingham entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Birmingham to Chicago moving option

Hire local Birmingham movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Birmingham to Chicago move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Birmingham to Chicago movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Birmingham to Chicago moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 42 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Birmingham and Chicago areas.

From these 42 companies, we analyzed a total of 25,099 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 24 state and federal moving licenses from these 42 companies and 218 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~25,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 19,125 Birmingham to Chicago moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Secure Moving Inc).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Birmingham to Chicago moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.33/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 18,933 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

7.89/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 6,983 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.33/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 4,096 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.23/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 6,754 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.91/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 3,623 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.51/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 10,089 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.93/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 9,269 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.06/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 17,802 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.23/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 10,310 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.88/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 2,287 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.96/10 avg (Birmingham & Chicago combined) from 9,422 reviews

From Birmingham to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Avondale in Birmingham & Wicker Park in Chicago are both known for their: craft breweries & hip scene
• Birmingham's Crestwood neighborhood & Chicago's Lincoln Square both share: suburban vibe & family-friendly
• If you're moving from East Lake, check out Bronzeville in the Chicago area for the: historic heritage & arts revival
• Do you enjoy Five Points South's bars & live music near campus? You're sure to love South Loop
• Move from Forest Park to Lincoln Park and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: abundant green space & events
• Homewood & Lincoln Park are both known for their: affluent area & top-rated schools
• Birmingham's Mountain Brook neighborhood & Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood both have: upscale boutiques & luxury homes
• If you're moving from Southside, look into Bronzeville for the: African-American heritage & development
• Do you cherish living in Downtown's central business district & theaters? Move into The Loop for something similar
• The similar vibes of Woodlawn & Hyde Park are both known for: university influence & historic charm

Pros and Cons of Moving from Birmingham to Chicago

ConsBirmingham, AL

• Lower cultural diversity
• Less job opportunities
• Smaller city vibe
• Warmer winters
• Limited public transport

ProsChicago, IL

• Rich cultural diversity
• More job opportunities
• Vibrant urban life
• Snowy, picturesque winters
• Extensive public transport

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Heavy traffic and commuting
• Larger impersonal community
• Less green space
• Louder urban noise

Birmingham, AL

• Lower cost of living
• Easy traffic and commuting
• Close-knit community
• Abundant green space
• Quieter city life

Pros of moving from Birmingham to Chicago

• Say goodbye to lower cultural diversity and hello to rich cultural diversity
• Look forward to moving away from less job opportunities and moving to Chicago with more job opportunities
• Swap the smaller city vibe of Birmingham for vibrant urban life in Chicago
• Get ready for snowy and picturesque winters in Chicago

Cons of moving from Birmingham to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Birmingham to live with the higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of easy traffic and commuting and have to settle for the con of heavy traffic and commuting
• Time to bid farewell to the close-knit community and get used to the larger, impersonal community in Chicago
• Swap abundant green space for less green space

Birmingham vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Birmingham to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Fried Green Tomatoes of Birmingham for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Birmingham rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Gourmet Hot Dogs, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-Style Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Plate they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Birmingham eateries like Highlands Bar and Grill, Saw's BBQ, and Hot and Hot Fish Club. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and The Purple Pig.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Birmingham. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Birmingham. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Chicago.

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Birmingham favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Highlands Bar and Grill, Hot and Hot Fish Club, and Saw's BBQ in Birmingham, we're sure you'll love Alinea, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, and Smoque BBQ in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Birmingham hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Bottega Restaurant, head to Spiaggia on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Birmingham and Chicago

• The Colonial Revival architecture that Birmingham is known for will be replaced with the Prairie Style architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Birmingham's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and quiet neighborhoods, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transportation.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Chicago is more walkable than Birmingham.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Chicago is more bike-friendly than Birmingham.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Birmingham.
• Chicago housing costs are 121% more expensive than they are in Birmingham, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Birmingham’s $131,290.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 48% increase in Birmingham.
• Rent in Chicago is 63.66% more expensive than in Birmingham.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Birmingham and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Birmingham to Chicago. Chicago gets 10% fewer sunshine days than Birmingham.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Birmingham.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and thunderstorms in Birmingham, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and extreme cold in Chicago.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 7 degrees colder than in Birmingham.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Birmingham.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 17 fewer inches of rain compared to Birmingham.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Birmingham and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 82% more than in Birmingham
• The COLI in Chicago is 29% higher than what you are used to living in Birmingham
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 5% in AL
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Birmingham
• The poverty level is moderate in Chicago compared to significant poverty in Birmingham
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Birmingham and widespread in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Birmingham vs. Chicago

• Birmingham tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as religious diversity with a significant Catholic population
• Birmingham's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a strong Protestant presence

Birmingham vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 42% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Birmingham commute. That's 5200 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Birmingham.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.