Moving from Rochester, MN to Birmingham, AL
Relocating 950 mi from Rochester to Birmingham is a 18h 16m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
950 mi · 18h 16m by car · AL → TN → KY → IL → MO → IA → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → TN → KY → IL → MO → IA → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 61, I 65, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, St Louis, Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 90.821 vs 91.644 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.9% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $339,455 to $135,870 moving to Birmingham.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 56.6" |
Expect 19.1°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
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: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.25 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.9% — $87,767 → $44,376 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Minnesota 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.1°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Rochester 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 950 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Birmingham?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.9°F in Birmingham vs 44.8°F in Rochester (19.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.4 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 56.6 in vs 34.7 in.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 49.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 950 mi and the route typically takes 18h 16m via US 61 and I 65. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 0.9% higher than Rochester (91.644 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 60.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Birmingham, AL.