How we chose the best moving companies for your AL to FL move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 47 Alabama moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Alabama to Florida?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Alabama to Florida.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,157 – $3,411 |
$636 – $1,659 |
$416 – $742 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,013 – $5,279 |
$1,209 – $2,202 |
$435 – $879 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,827 – $7,743 |
$1,610 – $3,043 |
$570 – $1,038 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 547-mile move from AL to
FL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Alabama to Florida
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Alabama to Florida typically costs between
$1,157 and
$3,411.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$2,013
and $5,279
when moving from AL to FL.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Alabama to Florida,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,827
up to $7,743.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to Florida
If you’re relocating from Alabama to Florida,
you’ll typically spend between $636
and $1,659 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,209 up to
$2,202.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,610 and
$3,043. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to Florida
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$416 and
$742.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$435 to
$879.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $570 and
$1,038.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to FL
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Alabama to Florida. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
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Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Alabama, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from AL to FL
Transitioning from Alabama to Florida gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. Florida
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Alabama and Florida are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Alabama |
Florida |
| Average rent |
$925 |
$1,444 |
| Average home cost |
$227,508 |
$392,176 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$59,609 |
$67,917 |
| Cost of living index |
88 |
102 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
9.22% |
7.08% |
| State income tax |
5.0% |
0.0% |
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Rent is about 56% more expensive in Florida than in Alabama. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
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Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment — home prices in Florida are roughly 72% higher than in Alabama.
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Good news — you can expect to earn about 14% more in Florida than in Alabama. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
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Moving to Florida means you’ll be spending 16% more than you did in Alabama. Be sure to budget for the higher cost of living.
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Unemployment rates are about the same in Alabama and Florida, so you’re unlikely to see much difference in job opportunities or competition after you move.
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Sales tax in Florida is 23% lower than in Alabama, which can stretch your budget further on recurring expenses like food, shopping, and entertainment.
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Florida has no state income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Alabama. This can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Florida vs. Alabama
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Florida and Alabama compare.
|
Florida |
Alabama |
| Population |
22,610,726 |
5,108,468 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-48 |
Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
49ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
55″ |
56″ |
| Annual snow |
0″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
21.39 |
21.48 |
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If you’re moving from Alabama to Florida, you’ll find Florida has about 343% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
-
The last presidential election saw both Alabama and Florida siding with the Republican party.
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The average summer high in Florida is 91°F, while Alabama averages 91°F.
With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
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In winter, Florida drops only to 49°F, milder than 33°F in Alabama.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
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In Florida, you’ll experience about 55 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 56 inches you’re used to in Alabama.
While the overall rainfall won’t shift much after your move, don’t forget that the timing and patterns of rain throughout the year can still influence your day-to-day plans.
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Florida doesn’t get snow, while Alabama sees around 1 inch annually.
Relocating to Florida means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
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Florida and Alabama share similar crime rates (21.48).
However, crime can vary greatly between different cities and neighborhoods within each state, so be sure to look into local crime data for a clearer picture.
Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Florida
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Florida to Alabama:
| Pros of living in Alabama |
Pros of living in Florida |
| Low cost of living |
Fantastic weather |
| Tasty southern comfort food |
Abundant water recreational activities |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Top-notch college football |
World-leading entertainment |
| Rich history |
Beautiful flora and fauna |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Florida
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Alabama to Florida:
| Cons of living in Alabama |
Cons of living in Florida |
| Poor quality of life |
High cost of living |
| Severe weather |
Poor healthcare |
| Restrictive alcohol laws |
Natural disasters |
| Poor healthcare |
Heat and humidity |
| Cockroaches |
High crime rate |
Other things to consider for your Alabama to Florida 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.
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State licensing:
Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
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State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Florida moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Florida, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
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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 Florida. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
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Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Florida
Get excited to explore Florida. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Florida
- Wynwood Halls
- The Ringling
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- The Dali Museum
Parks in Florida
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- De Soto National Memorial
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Ocala National Forest
Sports teams in Florida
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Orlando Magic (NBA)
- Miami Marlins (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
Universities in Florida
- University of Florida
- Florida State University
- University of South Florida
- University of Central Florida
- Florida International University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to Florida?
Do movers transport your car from Alabama to Florida?
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
Florida
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Florida?
Many people are making the move from Alabama to Florida to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Florida has to offer, like fantastic weather and abundant water recreational activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Florida?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Florida.
Housing
is much more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 36% less and home prices 42% lower than in Florida.
However, taxes are
lower in Florida, most notably income taxes, which are more than 100% less than those paid by Alabama residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Florida?
Planning to move to Florida? A single adult should aim for an income of around $61,933 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $3,010 for an individual, or $7,388 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Jacksonville and Miami usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Alabama?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Alabama:
2 provide military discounts;
1 have senior-discount programs;
5 list student deals;
1 advertise educator discounts;
1 extend special rates to law enforcement.
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When relocating from Alabama to Florida, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,013 to
$5,279, roughly
$1,705 for a container move, and close to
$657
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
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