Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Birmingham, AL
The 59 mi from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham translate to about 1h 10m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
59 mi · 1h 10m by car · AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 59, US 82 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Birmingham and Tuscaloosa are close on the overall BEA RPP (87.722 vs 91.644); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Birmingham typical home at $135,870 is 4.5% under Tuscaloosa at $228,947 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 56.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 64.3°F vs 63.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
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: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.25 |
Income steps down 4.5%: $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $44,376 in Birmingham.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 4.5% higher than Tuscaloosa (91.644 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa — a 8.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa — a 40.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa 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 59 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 59 mi and the route typically takes 1h 10m via I 20 and I 59. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL · Birmingham, AL.