When relocating from Virginia to Alabama, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,887 to
$5,005, roughly
$1,923 for a container move, and close to
$757
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Virginia to Alabama?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,004 – $3,159 | $717 – $1,597 | $481 – $847 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,887 – $5,005 | $1,278 – $2,569 | $519 – $995 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,491 – $7,240 | $1,743 – $3,331 | $603 – $1,292 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,004 – $3,159
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,887 – $5,005
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,491 – $7,240
How much do moving containers cost from Virginia to Alabama?
- Small move: $717 – $1,597
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,278 – $2,569
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,743 – $3,331
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $481 – $847
- 2–3 bedrooms: $519 – $995
- 4+ bedrooms: $603 – $1,292
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 668-mile move from VA 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 VA to AL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Virginia | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,440 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $392,682 | $227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) | $87,249 | $59,609 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 88 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 5.73% | 9.22% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 5.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Alabama?
Rent is about 36% lower in Alabama than in Virginia.
Avg rent: $1,440 vs. $925
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 42% lower in Alabama than in Virginia.
Avg home value: $392,682 vs. $227,508
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 32% lower in Alabama than in Virginia.
Avg income (per capita): $87,249 vs. $59,609
Is the overall cost of living higher in Alabama?
The cost of living is 12% lower in Alabama than in Virginia.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 88
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 61% higher in Alabama than in Virginia.
Avg sales tax: 5.73% vs. 9.22%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 13% lower in Alabama than in Virginia.
State income tax: 5.75% vs. 5.0%
How is daily life different in Alabama compared to Virginia?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Alabama | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,108,468 | 8,715,698 |
| Political leaning | Republican 65-35 | Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 25ºF |
| Annual rain | 56″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 14″ |
| Crime index | 21.48 | 19.3 |
Will Alabama feel more crowded than Virginia?
Alabama is about 41% less populous than Virginia — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Alabama voted Republican while Virginia voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Alabama is milder on average (33°F vs. 25°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Alabama?
Rain: Alabama gets more rain (56″ vs. 44″).
Snow: Alabama gets less snow (1 inch vs. 14 inches).
Is Alabama safer than Virginia?
Alabama has a higher crime index than Virginia (21.48 vs. 19.3). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
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 Virginia to Alabama move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Alabama moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Alabama, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Alabama. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. 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 your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Alabama?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
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?
No moving permit is required in Alabama, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. 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 Virginia offer discounts: 3 military discounts; 2 senior discounts; 1 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular Virginia routes
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