FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Arkansas to Alabama?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,074 – $3,138 | $625 – $1,531 | $353 – $670 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,859 – $4,991 | $1,108 – $2,194 | $372 – $811 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,044 – $7,502 | $1,516 – $2,890 | $468 – $917 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,074 – $3,138
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,859 – $4,991
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,044 – $7,502
How much do moving containers cost from Arkansas to Alabama?
- Small move: $625 – $1,531
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,108 – $2,194
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,516 – $2,890
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $353 – $670
- 2–3 bedrooms: $372 – $811
- 4+ bedrooms: $468 – $917
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 430-mile move from AR to AL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from AR to AL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Arkansas | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $868 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $208,078 | $227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) | $56,335 | $59,609 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 88 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 9.51% | 9.22% |
| State income tax | 2.0% | 5.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Alabama?
Rent is about 7% higher in Alabama than in Arkansas.
Avg rent: $868 vs. $925
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 9% higher in Alabama than in Arkansas.
Avg home value: $208,078 vs. $227,508
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 6% higher in Alabama than in Arkansas.
Avg income (per capita): $56,335 vs. $59,609
Is the overall cost of living higher in Alabama?
The cost of living is about the same in Arkansas and Alabama.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 88
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Arkansas and Alabama.
Avg sales tax: 9.51% vs. 9.22%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 150% higher in Alabama than in Arkansas.
State income tax: 2.0% vs. 5.0%
How is daily life different in Alabama compared to Arkansas?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Alabama | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,108,468 | 3,067,732 |
| Political leaning | Republican 65-35 | Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 56″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 4″ |
| Crime index | 21.48 | 30.97 |
Will Alabama feel more crowded than Arkansas?
Alabama is about 67% more populous than Arkansas — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Arkansas and Alabama voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 91°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (33°F vs. 28°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Alabama?
Rain: Alabama gets more rain (56″ vs. 50″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (1 inch vs. 4 inches).
Is Alabama safer than Arkansas?
Alabama has a lower crime index than Arkansas (21.48 vs. 30.97), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Alabama?
Museums in Alabama
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center
- Battleship USS ALABAMA
- Legacy Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Parks in Alabama
- Gulf State Park
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
- Sipsey Wilderness
- The Wharf
- Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Sports teams in Alabama
- Auburn Tigers (NCAA)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA)
- AFC Mobile (NPSL)
- Dixie Derby Girls (WFTDA)
- Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League)
Universities in Alabama
- The University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Samford University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Arkansas to Alabama move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Alabama moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Alabama right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Alabama?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Alabama?
To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Alabama moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Alabama?
Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
Some movers in Arkansas offer discounts: 1 military discounts; 1 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Helpful moving resources
Arkansas moving services
Popular Arkansas routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!