Moving from Birmingham, AL to Concord, NC
The 406 mi from Birmingham to Concord translate to about 7h 46m behind the wheel through 4 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.
406 mi · 7h 46m by car · AL → GA → SC → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → GA → SC → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 20, US 29 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Concord | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 97.348 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 89.164 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.58 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 97.635 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Concord is 6.2% higher than Birmingham, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Concord is 6.2% above Birmingham — $135,870 vs $382,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Concord -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Birmingham | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | 3.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 47.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Birmingham (63.9°F) and Concord (60.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Concord averages 3.3 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: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, CONCORD, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 106,518 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $84,752 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 25.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.88 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.2% between Birmingham and Concord (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Concord MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 150,700 | $43,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 147,550 | $37,460 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 135,930 | $37,730 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 110,080 | $82,720 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 109,770 | $29,110 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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 Concord average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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 North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Concord, NC from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 406 mi and the route typically takes 7h 46m via I 85 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Birmingham and Concord?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.7°F in Concord vs 63.9°F in Birmingham (3.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.3 in vs 1.4 in. Annual precipitation: 47.9 in vs 56.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Concord compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $382,592 in Concord vs $135,870 in Birmingham — a 181.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Concord?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,752 in Concord vs $44,376 in Birmingham — a 91.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Concord?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 406 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Concord more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Concord is 6.2% higher than Birmingham (97.348 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Concord compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,830 in the Concord MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 1,311,360 and 509,200 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 Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL · Concord, NC.