How we chose the best moving companies for your AL to OH 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 Ohio?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Alabama to Ohio.
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 |
$1,183 – $3,956 |
$690 – $1,774 |
$475 – $966 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,152 – $5,716 |
$1,293 – $2,584 |
$539 – $1,070 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,857 – $7,761 |
$1,646 – $3,324 |
$695 – $1,390 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 705-mile move from AL to
OH 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 Ohio
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Alabama to Ohio typically costs between
$1,183 and
$3,956.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$2,152
and $5,716
when moving from AL to OH.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Alabama to Ohio,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,857
up to $7,761.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to Ohio
If you’re relocating from Alabama to Ohio,
you’ll typically spend between $690
and $1,774 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,293 up to
$2,584.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,646 and
$3,324. 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 Ohio
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
$475 and
$966.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$539 to
$1,070.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $695 and
$1,390.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to OH
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Alabama to Ohio. 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 OH
Transitioning from Alabama to Ohio 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. Ohio
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Alabama and Ohio are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Alabama |
Ohio |
| Average rent |
$925 |
$945 |
| Average home cost |
$227,508 |
$230,798 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$59,609 |
$66,990 |
| Cost of living index |
88 |
94 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
3.6% |
| Average sales tax |
9.22% |
7.23% |
| State income tax |
5.0% |
3.5% |
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Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Ohio from Alabama with rent being about the same in each state.
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Home prices in Ohio and Alabama are pretty similar, so you won’t need to adjust your mortgage budget unless you’re planning to move into a bigger or better place.
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Good news — you can expect to earn about 12% more in Ohio than in Alabama. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
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Moving to Ohio means you’ll be spending 7% more than you did in Alabama. Be sure to budget for the higher cost of living.
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Unemployment in Ohio is about 24% higher than in Alabama. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
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Sales tax in Ohio is 22% lower than in Alabama, which can stretch your budget further on recurring expenses like food, shopping, and entertainment.
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Income taxes are 30% lower in Ohio compared to Alabama. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.
How life is different in Ohio 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 Ohio and Alabama compare.
|
Ohio |
Alabama |
| Population |
11,785,935 |
5,108,468 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 55-45 |
Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
20ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
56″ |
| Annual snow |
28″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
20.76 |
21.48 |
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If you’re moving from Alabama to Ohio, you’ll find Ohio has about 131% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
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The last presidential election saw both Alabama and Ohio siding with the Republican party.
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The average summer high in Ohio is 84°F compared to 91°F in Alabama.
A cooler summer climate means less extreme heat, lower energy costs, and more comfortable outdoor time — great for anyone who values comfort.
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In the coldest months, Ohio dips to about 20°F, colder than 33°F in Alabama.
Colder winters bring higher heating bills and harsher weather — but also beautiful snowy days and winter activities.
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In Ohio, you’ll get about 40 inches of rain each year, less than the 56 inches you’re used to in Alabama.
That means more sun, more time outside, and fewer weather hassles to hold you back.
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Each year, Ohio gets about 28 inches of snow, far more than the 1 inch you might be accustomed to in Alabama.
That means breathtaking winter landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also calls for a little extra preparation and regular upkeep.
-
Ohio 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. Ohio
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Ohio to Alabama:
| Pros of living in Alabama |
Pros of living in Ohio |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Tasty southern comfort food |
Low cost of living |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Top-notch college football |
Famously delicious beer |
| Rich history |
Amazing food |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Ohio
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Alabama to Ohio:
| Cons of living in Alabama |
Cons of living in Ohio |
| Poor quality of life |
Low happiness |
| Severe weather |
Limited diversity |
| Restrictive alcohol laws |
Political division |
| Poor healthcare |
Harsh weather |
| Cockroaches |
Weird laws |
Other things to consider for your Alabama to Ohio 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:
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. 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 Ohio moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Ohio, 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 Ohio. 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. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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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 Ohio
Get excited to explore Ohio. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Ohio
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House
- National Museum of the US Air Force
Parks in Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports teams in Ohio
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities in Ohio
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to Ohio?
Do movers transport your car from Alabama to Ohio?
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
Ohio
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Ohio?
Many people are making the move from Alabama to Ohio to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Ohio has to offer, like ample economic opportunity and low cost of living.
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Ohio?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Ohio.
Housing
is more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 2% less and home prices 1% lower than in Ohio.
However, taxes are
lower in Ohio, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Alabama residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Ohio?
Planning to move to Ohio? A single adult should aim for an income of around $65,241 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $2,580 for an individual, or $6,799 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Columbus and Cleveland 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 Ohio, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,152 to
$5,716, roughly
$1,938 for a container move, and close to
$804
for a rental truck.
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