Moving from Dallas, TX to Birmingham, AL
A move from Dallas, TX to Birmingham, AL covers 636 mi and around 11h 28m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
636 mi · 11h 28m by car · TX → LA → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → LA → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Plano, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Birmingham is 11.1% cheaper than Dallas overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Birmingham is 11.1% below Dallas — $309,421 vs $135,870 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dallas | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 56.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Dallas (68.0°F) and Birmingham (63.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Birmingham averages 1.4 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.25 |
Median household income in Birmingham is 11.1% below Dallas ($67,760 vs $44,376, ACS 5-year 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 Texas 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 91°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 — 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
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $67,760 in Dallas — a 34.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 11.1% lower than Dallas (91.644 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Dallas and Birmingham?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.9°F in Birmingham vs 68.0°F in Dallas (4.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 1.4 in vs 1.7 in. Annual precipitation: 56.6 in vs 38.3 in.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 636 mi and the route typically takes 11h 28m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $309,421 in Dallas — a 56.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Birmingham?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 636 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX · Birmingham, AL.