How we chose the best moving companies for your AL to MI move
After studying pricing from 47 Alabama movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Alabama to Michigan?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Alabama to Michigan.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| 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 |
*Estimated costs for a 932-mile move from AL to
MI are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Alabama to Michigan
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Alabama to Michigan will cost between
$1,176 and
$4,464.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from AL to MI will
range from $2,384 to
$5,953, and a large move from Alabama
to Michigan will cost from $3,878
to $7,547.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to Michigan
If you’re moving from Alabama to Michigan,
expect to pay between $805
and $1,921 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,446 up to
$2,755.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,909 and
$3,832. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to Michigan
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$585 and
$1,186.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $624
and $1,356. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $857 up to
$1,664 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to MI
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Alabama to Michigan. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Alabama is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from AL to MI
A relocation from Alabama to Michigan comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. Michigan
Comparing expenses in Alabama and Michigan shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
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% |
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Rent in Michigan is approximately 12% higher than in Alabama, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 8% higher in Michigan than in Alabama.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 15% higher in Michigan compared to Alabama. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Michigan and Alabama, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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Unemployment in Michigan is about 62% higher than in Alabama. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales tax in Michigan is 35% lower than in Alabama. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Michigan can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Income taxes are 15% lower in Michigan than in Alabama. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Michigan vs. Alabama
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Michigan stacks up against Alabama across important lifestyle factors:
|
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 |
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Michigan is about 96% more populous than Alabama.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both Alabama and Michigan supported the Republican candidate.
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Michigan averages 81°F in summer, a cooler contrast to 91°F in Alabama.
Expect milder summers, lower utility costs, and more time to enjoy being outdoors.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Michigan drops to about 14°F while Alabama only reaches 33°F.
Moving to Michigan with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
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You’ll enjoy about 34 inches of rain each year in Michigan, compared to 56 inches in Alabama.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
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Every year, Michigan gets around 64 inches of snow, much more than the 1 inch that Alabama typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
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Michigan has a lower crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 19.98 vs. 21.48.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Michigan
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Michigan versus Alabama:
| Pros of living in Alabama |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Low cost of living |
Scenic beauty |
| Tasty southern comfort food |
Good higher education |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Top-notch college football |
Low cost of living |
| Rich history |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Michigan
Moving from Alabama to Michigan comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Alabama |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| Poor quality of life |
Cold snowy winters |
| Severe weather |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| Restrictive alcohol laws |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| Poor healthcare |
Expensive education |
| Cockroaches |
Thick accents |
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.
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Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Michigan moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Michigan
Get ready to discover all that Michigan has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from Alabama to Michigan?
What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Michigan?
The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to Michigan are the amazing upsides of living in Michigan, such as scenic beauty and good higher education.
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Michigan?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Michigan.
Housing
is more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 11% less and home prices 7% lower than in Michigan.
However, taxes are
lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Alabama residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Michigan?
You should make approximately $54,934 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Michigan.
The cost of living in Michigan is about $3,608 per month for an individual and $6,859 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Alabama?
Some movers in Alabama provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 2 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 1 movers.
Student savings are available through 5 moving providers.
Teacher and educator discounts can be found with 1 movers.
Law enforcement personnel receive special rate options from 1 companies.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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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.
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