Best Movers From Alabama to Tennessee (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from Alabama to Tennessee, professional movers typically run between
$1,593 and $4,260, a moving container averages about
$1,510, and a rental truck is around
$435.
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$870 — $4,260 Top local mover
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$870 — $5,668 Top long-distance mover
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$553 — $2,524 Top container company
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$266 — $733 Top truck rental
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$61 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Alabama to Tennessee
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from Alabama to Tennessee.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Alabama to Tennessee
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
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2 Bedrooms
Oct 27, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 15, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 14, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 06, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 03, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 28, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 17, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 10, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Alabama to Tennessee?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $870 – $2,938 | $553 – $1,306 | $266 – $516 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,593 – $4,260 | $983 – $2,037 | $301 – $569 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,171 – $5,668 | $1,392 – $2,524 | $379 – $733 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $870 – $2,938
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,593 – $4,260
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,171 – $5,668
How much do moving containers cost from Alabama to Tennessee?
- Small move: $553 – $1,306
- 2–3 bedrooms: $983 – $2,037
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,392 – $2,524
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $266 – $516
- 2–3 bedrooms: $301 – $569
- 4+ bedrooms: $379 – $733
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 253-mile move from AL to TN using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
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 TN?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Alabama | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $925 | $1,047 |
| Average home cost | $227,508 | $319,208 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,609 | $64,035 |
| Cost of living index | 88 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | 9.22% | 9.55% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Tennessee?
Rent is about 13% higher in Tennessee than in Alabama.
Avg rent: $925 vs. $1,047
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 40% higher in Tennessee than in Alabama.
Avg home value: $227,508 vs. $319,208
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% higher in Tennessee than in Alabama.
Avg income (per capita): $59,609 vs. $64,035
Is the overall cost of living higher in Tennessee?
The cost of living is about the same in Alabama and Tennessee.
Cost of living index: 88 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Alabama and Tennessee.
Avg sales tax: 9.22% vs. 9.55%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Tennessee has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to Alabama.
State income tax: 5.0% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Tennessee compared to Alabama?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Tennessee | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,126,489 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-36 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 53″ | 56″ |
| Annual snow | 5″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 29.24 | 21.48 |
Will Tennessee feel more crowded than Alabama?
Tennessee is about 40% 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 Tennessee voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (88°F vs. 91°F).
Winter: Tennessee is colder on average (27°F vs. 33°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Tennessee?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (53″ vs. 56″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (5 inches vs. 1 inch).
Is Tennessee safer than Alabama?
Tennessee has a higher crime index than Alabama (29.24 vs. 21.48). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Tennessee?
Museums in Tennessee
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Graceland
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Lotz House Museum
- National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
Parks in Tennessee
- Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
- Bicentennial Greenbelt Park
- Chimneys Picnic Area
- Winged Deer Park
- Steele Creek Park
Sports teams in Tennessee
- Memphis Grizzlies Basketball (NBA)
- Nashville Predators Hockey (NHL)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
- Tennessee TItans (NFL)
Universities in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- The University of Tennessee at Martin
- The University of Memphis
- Middle Tennessee State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Alabama to Tennessee move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Tennessee moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Tennessee?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Tennessee?
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, 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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Tennessee moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
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.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Alabama moving services
Popular Alabama routes
Popular moving resources
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