Moving from Birmingham, AL to St. Louis, MO
Relocating 502 mi from Birmingham to St. Louis is a 9h 10m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
502 mi Β· 9h 10m by car Β· MO β IL β KY β TN β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β KY β TN β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 24, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Huntsville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.644 vs 95.088 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Birmingham | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 43.9" |
Expect 5.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.03 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.8% β $44,376 β $55,279 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in St. Louis compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $44,376 in Birmingham β a 24.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 502 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is St. Louis, MO from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 502 mi and the route typically takes 9h 10m via I 65 and I 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is St. Louis more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 3.8% higher than Birmingham (95.088 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL Β· St. Louis, MO.