Moving from Worcester, MA to Birmingham, AL
Relocating 1138 mi from Worcester to Birmingham is a 21h 45m drive through 11 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.
1138 mi · 21h 45m by car · MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 52, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.6% moving from Worcester to Birmingham — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $430,112 in Worcester to $135,870 in Birmingham, a 10.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 56.6" |
Annual average temperature jumps 15.8°F — 48.1°F in Worcester vs 63.9°F in Birmingham, 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: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.25 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.6% — $67,544 → $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 Massachusetts 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 (15.8°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
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Birmingham?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.9°F in Birmingham vs 48.1°F in Worcester (15.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.4 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 56.6 in vs 48.3 in.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 10.6% lower than Worcester (91.644 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1138 mi and the route typically takes 21h 45m via I 81 and US 52. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 34.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 68.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 1138 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Birmingham, AL.