Moving from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL
A move from Richmond, VA to Birmingham, AL covers 690 mi and around 12h 43m 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.
690 mi · 12h 43m by car · VA → TN → GA → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → TN → GA → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 52, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Chattanooga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Birmingham are 6.4% below Richmond — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Birmingham typical home at $135,870 is 6.4% under Richmond at $369,646 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Richmond | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 29°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | 56.6" |
Birmingham runs 5.0°F warmer on the annual average (58.9°F vs 63.9°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Expect 1.4 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.25 |
Median household income in Birmingham is 6.4% below Richmond ($62,671 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 Virginia 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 far is Birmingham, AL from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance is 690 mi and the route typically takes 12h 43m via I 81 and US 52. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $62,671 in Richmond — a 29.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $369,646 in Richmond — a 63.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Richmond 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 690 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 647,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 6.4% lower than Richmond (91.644 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Richmond and Birmingham?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.9°F in Birmingham vs 58.9°F in Richmond (5.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.4 in vs 8.8 in. Annual precipitation: 56.6 in vs 45.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA · Birmingham, AL.