Moving from Atlanta, GA to Birmingham, AL
The 143 mi from Atlanta to Birmingham translate to about 2h 42m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
143 mi Β· 2h 42m by car Β· GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 11, GA 280 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.058 to 91.644, putting Birmingham roughly 8.4% below Atlanta on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Birmingham: 8.4% below Atlanta on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 56.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Birmingham gets around 1.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 34 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.25 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.4% between Atlanta and Birmingham (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Birmingham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 63,490 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 51,190 | $38,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 51,120 | $34,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,990 | $26,920 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 41,870 | $64,700 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Georgia and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Birmingham average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Birmingham averages 56.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Birmingham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 143 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 8.4% lower than Atlanta (91.644 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 143 mi and the route typically takes 2h 42m via I 20 and US 11. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 64.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 45.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Birmingham, AL.