Things to know before moving from Alabama to Plano, TX

Cost of living: Alabama vs Plano, TX

Alabama Plano
Average rent cost $925 $2,100
Average home value $227,508 $511,000
Average income (per capita) $59,609 $67,874
Unemployment rate 3% 6%
State income tax 5% 0%
  • Rent is about 127% more expensive in Plano than in Alabama.
  • Home prices are about 125% higher in Plano than in Alabama.
  • The average income is about 14% higher in Plano than in Alabama.
  • Plano has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 90%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Plano than in Alabama.

How life is different in Plano from Alabama

Plano Alabama
Population 285,494 5,108,468
Political leaning Republican 56-42 Republican 65-35
Summer high 94ºF 91ºF
Winter low 33ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 41" 56"
Annual snow 2" 1"
Crime index 23.02 21.48
  • The population of Plano is approximately 94% lower than the population of Alabama.
  • In the last presidential election, Plano voted Republican and Alabama voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Plano is 94ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Plano reaches the temperature of 33ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about 41 inches of annual rainfall in Plano vs 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
  • In Plano, it snows about 2 inches annually vs 1 inch of snow in Alabama.
  • Plano has a higher crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 23.02 vs 21.48.

Things to do in Plano

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Plano.

Museums in Planotoggle

  • Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway
  • Heritage Farmstead Museum

Parks in Planotoggle

  • Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
  • Bob Woodruff Park
  • Oak Point Park

Sports Teams in Planotoggle

  • World Olympic Gymnastics Academy

Universities in Planotoggle

  • Collin College
  • Dallas Baptist University

Other considerations when moving to Plano, TX

  • Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Plano are most likely.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Texas. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of Alabama vs. Plano, TX

Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Plano, TX:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Alabama vs Plano side-by-side.

Pros of living in Alabama Pros of living in Plano, TX
Low cost of living Favorable weather
Tasty southern comfort food Ample economic opportunity
Bountiful recreational opportunities Abundant public transportation
Top-notch college football Quality education
Rich history Southern hospitality

Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Plano, TX:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for Plano.

Cons of living in Alabama Cons of living in Plano, TX
Poor quality of life Terrible traffic
Severe weather Extreme weather
Restrictive alcohol laws High cost of living
Poor healthcare Crowded
Cockroaches High housing costs

FAQ

How long does a move from Alabama to Plano take?

The time frame for a move from Alabama to Plano, TX, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Alabama, the longer the drive time to Plano will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Plano from Alabama can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Alabama to Plano?

Because of the 618-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Alabama to Plano as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Plano, TX?

With the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 33ºF, most people move to Plano from Alabama during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Plano during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources