Moving from Yonkers, NY to Birmingham, AL
Relocating 979 mi from Yonkers to Birmingham is a 18h 26m drive through 9 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.
979 mi · 18h 26m by car · NY → NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 52, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Stamford, Paterson, New York, Newark, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 18.6% cheaper overall in Birmingham than Yonkers on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
18.6% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Yonkers | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | 56.6" |
Expect 10.5°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Light snow year: Birmingham gets around 1.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 39 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.25 |
Expect median household income to fall 18.6% — $81,816 → $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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.5°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
Is Birmingham more expensive than Yonkers?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 18.6% lower than Yonkers (91.644 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 979 mi and the route typically takes 18h 26m via I 81 and US 52. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Yonkers and Birmingham?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.9°F in Birmingham vs 53.4°F in Yonkers (10.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.4 in vs 32.7 in. Annual precipitation: 56.6 in vs 51.2 in.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $81,816 in Yonkers — a 45.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $680,218 in Yonkers — a 80.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Yonkers 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 979 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 Yonkers?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 9,495,240 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 Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY · Birmingham, AL.