How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to AL move
Using rate data from 370 California movers, our team spotlighted the top companies that deliver on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost-effectiveness.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Owns mistakes and works quickly to make things right when issues pop up.
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Industry reputation (15%): Well regarded in the moving community and engaged in professional groups.
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Online reputation (15%): Accurate website info plus timely, professional replies to messages and reviews.
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Service options (10%): Full-service capabilities—packing, storage, specialty handling, and expedited options.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from California to Alabama?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California
to Alabama with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,270 – $4,935 |
$1,223 – $2,742 |
$1,140 – $2,293 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,490 – $6,910 |
$1,988 – $4,406 |
$1,260 – $2,594 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$6,359 – $10,752 |
$2,984 – $5,843 |
$1,542 – $3,345 |
*These ranges are rough estimates for a 2,165-mile move from CA to
AL, based on pricing data
compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. We gather thousands of verified prices from
movers nationwide and refresh the dataset each month to reflect seasonal shifts and market changes.
Your actual cost can vary with factors like shipment size, add-on services, parking or access
constraints, fuel costs, and timing. To get the most accurate number, compare quotes from
several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from California to Alabama
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Alabama,
you can expect to spend between $1,270
and $4,935.
For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually range from $3,490 to
$6,910 on the same route
(CA to AL). Got a larger household? Moving a
four- or five-bedroom home from California to Alabama typically runs between
$6,359 and
$10,752.
Cost of moving containers from California to Alabama
Moving from California to Alabama? For a small load,
you’ll likely pay between $1,223 and
$2,742. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home,
costs usually range from $1,988 to
$4,406. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house?
Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,984 up to
$5,843. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our
complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Alabama
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option.
Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between
$1,140 and
$2,293.
For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between
$1,260 and
$2,594.
Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be
somewhere between $1,542 and
$3,345.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to AL
There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Alabama will depend on these factors:
-
How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
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When you move: Summer moves in California fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
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Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.
What to know before moving from CA to AL
Moving between California and Alabama involves more than distance — it’s about understanding how your everyday life will change.
Cost of living: California vs. Alabama
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between
California and Alabama. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates,
this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle.
Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
|
California |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$1,856 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$771,057 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$91,905 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
134 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.4% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
8.68% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
13.3% |
5.0% |
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Rent in Alabama is about 50% cheaper than in California, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Alabama are roughly 70% less than in California, so you’ll enjoy lower monthly mortgage payments.
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Be sure to adjust your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 35% lower than in California.
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Moving to Alabama is about 34% cheaper than living in California. You’ll save big, but planning ahead is still essential for an easy move.
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Alabama has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 46%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
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Shoppers in Alabama pay about 6% more in sales tax than those in California, adding extra cost to everyday buys like clothes, electronics, and dining out.
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Income taxes in Alabama are 62% lower than in California. That means you get to hang onto more of your paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or use for everyday expenses.
How life is different in Alabama vs. California
Starting fresh in a new state means adjusting to more than just logistics. Weather trends, crime levels, political climate, and population density all play into the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of how Alabama differs from California in these areas.
|
Alabama |
California |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
39,029,342 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
59ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
22″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
7″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
28.43 |
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With a population about 87% smaller than California, Alabama offers you more room to breathe, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lower overall cost of living.
Keep in mind, though, that you may also have fewer amenities and a slower job market.
-
In the last presidential election, Alabama voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
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Summer highs in Alabama average 91°F, almost the same as 87°F in California.
With such similar conditions, your adjustment should be smooth, though humidity and weather patterns may still play a role.
-
Winter in Alabama can dip to 33°F, colder than the 59°F lows in California.
Expect higher heating costs and a chillier routine, but also the charm of a true winter climate.
-
Expect about 56 inches of rain each year in Alabama — a big shift from the 22 inches you’re used to in California.
While the extra rain makes for lush landscapes, it also means more wet days. Don’t forget your rain gear and be ready to adapt for a smooth, comfortable transition.
-
In Alabama, you’ll see just 1 inch of snow each year, compared to California, which gets 7 inches annually.
Moving to Alabama means enjoying gentler winters, less shoveling, and fewer weather headaches.
-
Alabama offers a safer environment than California, with a crime index of 21.48 versus 28.43.
You’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and fewer worries. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s reassuring to know you’re headed somewhere more secure.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Alabama
There’s something exciting about a fresh start.
Here’s a quick look at how life in Alabama stacks up against California:
| Pros of living in California |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| Pleasant weather |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| Abundant recreational options |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| High quality of life |
Top-notch college football |
| Fresh and healthy foods |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Alabama
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are.
As you get ready to move from California to Alabama, keep these tips in mind:
| Cons of living in California |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| High cost of living |
Poor quality of life |
| Heavy tax burdens |
Severe weather |
| Natural disasters |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| Terrible traffic |
Poor healthcare |
| Strange laws |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your California to Alabama 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.
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State licensing:
To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
-
State regulator:
Easily verify the status of a Alabama moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
Alabama 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. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Alabama right on time. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
-
Moving checklist:
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in Alabama
Get ready to discover Alabama. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
Museums in Alabama
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center
- Battleship USS ALABAMA
- Legacy Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Parks in Alabama
- Gulf State Park
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
- Sipsey Wilderness
- The Wharf
- Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Sports teams in Alabama
- Auburn Tigers (NCAA)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA)
- AFC Mobile (NPSL)
- Dixie Derby Girls (WFTDA)
- Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League)
Universities in Alabama
- The University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Samford University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from California to Alabama?
Many full-service moving companies can arrange auto transport for an extra fee as part of your moving
package. Alternatively, you can book
vehicle
transport from California to Alabama
separately with a leading car shipping provider.
What are the benefits of moving from California to Alabama?
More and more folks are relocating from California to Alabama to enjoy all the perks that come with living there, such as low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in California.
Housing
is more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 50% less and home prices 70% lower than in California.
Taxes are also
lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Alabama?
If you’re planning to live on your own in Alabama, aim for an income of around $50,117 to live comfortably.
Expect monthly expenses to be about $2,494 if you’re flying solo, or $4,812 for a family of four.
Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Huntsville and Montgomery usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in California?
Looking to save on your move? These discounts are currently offered in California.
There are 7 movers that recognize AAA membership with discounts.
Military families can take advantage of special pricing through 7 moving companies.
Savings for seniors are available from 7 movers.
Students benefit from discounts provided by 2 moving companies.
Teachers and educators receive discounted rates with 2 movers.
Law enforcement professionals can access special rates from 4 moving providers.
Terms differ by mover, so ask about current discounts when requesting quotes.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
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When planning a move from California to Alabama, professional movers typically run between
$3,490 and $6,910, a moving container averages about
$3,197, and a rental truck is around
$1,927.
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