When moving from Alabama to Michigan, expect to spend between
$2,384–$5,953 if using professional movers, about
$2,100 for a moving container, and around
$990
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Alabama to Michigan?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,176 – $4,464 | $805 – $1,921 | $585 – $1,186 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,384 – $5,953 | $1,446 – $2,755 | $624 – $1,356 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,878 – $7,547 | $1,909 – $3,832 | $857 – $1,664 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,176 – $4,464
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,384 – $5,953
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,878 – $7,547
How much do moving containers cost from Alabama to Michigan?
- Small move: $805 – $1,921
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,446 – $2,755
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,909 – $3,832
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $585 – $1,186
- 2–3 bedrooms: $624 – $1,356
- 4+ bedrooms: $857 – $1,664
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 932-mile move from AL to MI using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 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 AL to MI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Alabama | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $925 | $1,037 |
| Average home cost | $227,508 | $245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,609 | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index | 88 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 9.22% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.25% |
Will rent be more expensive in Michigan?
Rent is about 12% higher in Michigan than in Alabama.
Avg rent: $925 vs. $1,037
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 8% higher in Michigan than in Alabama.
Avg home value: $227,508 vs. $245,716
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 15% higher in Michigan than in Alabama.
Avg income (per capita): $59,609 vs. $68,505
Is the overall cost of living higher in Michigan?
The cost of living is about the same in Alabama and Michigan.
Cost of living index: 88 vs. 92
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 35% lower in Michigan than in Alabama.
Avg sales tax: 9.22% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 15% lower in Michigan than in Alabama.
State income tax: 5.0% vs. 4.25%
How is daily life different in Michigan compared to Alabama?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| Michigan | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,037,261 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.7-48.3 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 56″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 19.98 | 21.48 |
Will Michigan feel more crowded than Alabama?
Michigan is about 96% more populous than Alabama — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Alabama and Michigan voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Michigan is cooler on average (81°F vs. 91°F).
Winter: Michigan is colder on average (14°F vs. 33°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Michigan?
Rain: Michigan gets less rain (34″ vs. 56″).
Snow: Michigan gets more snow (64 inches vs. 1 inch).
Is Michigan safer than Alabama?
Michigan has a lower crime index than Alabama (19.98 vs. 21.48), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Michigan?
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Alabama to Michigan move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Michigan moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Michigan without a hitch. 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. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Michigan?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Michigan?
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Michigan moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Michigan?
You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
Some movers in Alabama offer discounts: 2 military discounts; 1 senior discounts; 5 student discounts; 1 educator discounts; 1 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
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