Best Movers From California to Alabama (2025 Cost Data)

1. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.78 out of 5 stars
2. Meathead Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
4. Grace Moving Company: 4.7 out of 5 stars
5. Seka Moving: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from California to Alabama

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Alabama, you can expect to spend between $1,326 and $4,756. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,370 to $7,154 on the same route (CA to AL). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to Alabama typically runs between $6,516 and $11,693.

Cost of moving containers from California to Alabama

Moving from California to Alabama? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,205 and $3,047. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,080 to $4,296. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,767 up to $6,165. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Alabama

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,192 and $2,373. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,251 and $2,882. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,663 and $3,496.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to AL

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Alabama will depend on these factors:

• How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
• When you move: Summer moves in California fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
• Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.

• Rent in Alabama is about 50% cheaper than in California, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
• Home prices in Alabama are roughly 70% less than in California, so you’ll enjoy lower monthly mortgage payments.
• Be sure to adjust your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 35% lower than in California.
• Moving to Alabama is about 34% cheaper than living in California. You’ll save big, but planning ahead is still essential for an easy move.
• Alabama has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 46%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Shoppers in Alabama pay about 6% more in sales tax than those in California, adding extra cost to everyday buys like clothes, electronics, and dining out.
• Income taxes in Alabama are 62% lower than in California. That means you get to hang onto more of your paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or use for everyday expenses.

• With a population about 87% smaller than California, Alabama offers you more room to breathe, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lower overall cost of living. Keep in mind, though, that you may also have fewer amenities and a slower job market.
• In the last presidential election, Alabama voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
• Summer highs in Alabama average 91°F, almost the same as 87°F in California. With such similar conditions, your adjustment should be smooth, though humidity and weather patterns may still play a role.
• Winter in Alabama can dip to 33°F, colder than the 59°F lows in California. Expect higher heating costs and a chillier routine, but also the charm of a true winter climate.
• Expect about 56 inches of rain each year in Alabama — a big shift from the 22 inches you’re used to in California. While the extra rain makes for lush landscapes, it also means more wet days. Don’t forget your rain gear and be ready to adapt for a smooth, comfortable transition.
• In Alabama, you’ll see just 1 inch of snow each year, compared to California, which gets 7 inches annually. Moving to Alabama means enjoying gentler winters, less shoveling, and fewer weather headaches.
• Alabama offers a safer environment than California, with a crime index of 21.48 versus 28.43. You’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and fewer worries. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s reassuring to know you’re headed somewhere more secure.

Other things to consider for your California 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.

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