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Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to CA
There are many factors that influence Alabama moving costs. The cost to move from Alabama to California will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Alabama is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from AL to CA
If you’re moving to California from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. California
| Alabama | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $227,508 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,609 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.22% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 5.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 101% more expensive in California than in Alabama.
- Home prices are about 239% higher in California than in Alabama.
- The average income is about 54% higher in California than in Alabama.
- Cost of living is 52% lower in California than in Alabama.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 86%.
- Sales taxes are 6% lower in California than in Alabama.
- Income taxes are 166% higher in California than in Alabama.
How life is different in California vs. Alabama
| California | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 56" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 1" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 21.48 |
- The population of California is approximately 664% greater than the population of Alabama.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Alabama voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 1 inch of snow in Alabama.
- California has a higher crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 21.48.
Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. California
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Alabama.
| Pros of living in Alabama | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Ample economic opportunity |
| Tasty southern comfort food | Pleasant weather |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Abundant recreational options |
| Top-notch college football | High quality of life |
| Rich history | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. California
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for California.
| Cons of living in Alabama | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Poor quality of life | High cost of living |
| Severe weather | Heavy tax burdens |
| Restrictive alcohol laws | Natural disasters |
| Poor healthcare | Terrible traffic |
| Cockroaches | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Alabama to California move
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- 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 California. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in California
While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Yosemite National Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Disneyland Park
- Big Sur Coastline
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Death Valley National Park
- San Diego Zoo
- Lake Tahoe
- Santa Catalina Island
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Hearst Castle
- Channel Islands National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- The Hollywood Sign
- Lombard Street
- Venice Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Griffith Observatory
- Santa Monica Pier
- Alcatraz Island
- Winchester Mystery House
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Solvang
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Burney Falls
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Bodie State Historic Park
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to California?
Hiring a full-service Alabama moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Alabama to California?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Alabama to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to California?
The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or California?
It is generally cheaper to live in Alabama than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Alabama, with average rent about 50% less and home prices 71% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?
You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
