Moving from St. Paul, MN to Birmingham, AL
A move from St. Paul, MN to Birmingham, AL covers 1042 mi and around 19h 12m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1042 mi Β· 19h 12m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β KY β TN β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β KY β TN β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 51, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Madison, Rockford, Clarksville, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Birmingham are 12.6% below St. Paul β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 56.6" |
NOAA normals show Birmingham running 17.4Β°F above St. Paul on the annual mean.
Expect 1.4 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.25 |
Median household income in Birmingham is 12.6% below St. Paul ($73,055 vs $44,376, ACS 5-year 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 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Birmingham average 91Β°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 β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.4Β°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
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Birmingham, AL from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 1042 mi and the route typically takes 19h 12m via I 94 and US 51. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in St. Paul vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 39.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Birmingham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1042 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Birmingham more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 12.6% lower than St. Paul (91.644 vs 104.822, 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 St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Birmingham, AL.