Moving from Alabama to California: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo has reviewed hundreds of moving companies and is an expert at all things moving.

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 · 5 min

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Alabama to California ranges from $1,904 to $9,441. Moving costs will vary based on the amount of stuff being moved, the time of year, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Moving out of state can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your move to California. But just in case you’re short on time, here are a few quick resources to get immediate answers.

How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
Best Alabama to California movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from Alabama to California.
Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
Alabama to California car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Okay, let’s talk about moving costs.

How much does it cost to move from Alabama to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,606 - $6,499	$1,764 - $2,968	$1,757 - $2,312
2 - 3 bedrooms	$4,441 - $9,441	$3,064 - $4,663	$1,904 - $2,752
4+ bedrooms	$8,341 - $14,595	$4,237 - $5,999	$2,427 - $3,379

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,158 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Alabama to California will depend on:

Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Who Are The Best Alabama to California Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving Systems Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.85 overall rating
Air Van northAmerican Van Lines Best for complex moves	Get A Quote	4.35 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How to ship a car from Alabama to California

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car safely arrives in California.

Here's our list of the best Alabama to California car shipping companies.

Company	Our Take	Rating
Montway Auto Transport	Best Overall Value	5 overall rating
Ship A Car Direct	Best Insurance Coverage	4.75 overall rating
Easy Auto Ship	best for quick pick up	4.5 overall rating

Is moving from Alabama to California a good idea?

Cost of Living: Alabama vs California

	Alabama	California	% difference
Average rent cost	$792	$1,503	90%
Average home cost	$194,371	$758,360	290.2%
Average income (per capita)	$52,035	$78,672	51.2%
Cost of Living Index	89	151	62.0%
Unemployment rate	3.1%	5.8%	87.10%
Average Sales Tax	9.22%	8.68%	-5.86%
State Income Tax	5.0%	13.3%	+166.00%

How is life different in California from Alabama?

	California	Alabama
Population	39,237,836	5,039,877
Political leaning	Democratic 63-34	Republican 62-37
Summer High	87ºF	90ºF
Winter Low	59ºF	33ºF
Annual Rain	22"	56"
Annual Snow	7"	1"
Crime Index	25.7	25.37

Considerations for moving to California

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.
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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to California. Get started here.
Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.