Best Movers From California to Alabama (2025 Cost Data)
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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$1,270 — $6,910 Top local mover
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$1,270 — $10,752 Top long-distance mover
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$1,223 — $5,843 Top container company
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$1,140 — $3,345 Top truck rental
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$60 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from California to Alabama
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 California to Alabama.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Alabama
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 23, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 18, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 07, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 14, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 03, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 15, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 11, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 03, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Alabama?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| 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 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,270 – $4,935
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,490 – $6,910
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,359 – $10,752
How much do moving containers cost from California to Alabama?
- Small move: $1,223 – $2,742
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,988 – $4,406
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,984 – $5,843
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,140 – $2,293
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,260 – $2,594
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,542 – $3,345
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 2,165-mile move from CA to AL 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 CA to AL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| 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% |
Will rent be more expensive in Alabama?
Rent is about 50% lower in Alabama than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $925
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 70% lower in Alabama than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $227,508
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 35% lower in Alabama than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $59,609
Is the overall cost of living higher in Alabama?
The cost of living is 34% lower in Alabama than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 88
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 6% higher in Alabama than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 9.22%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 62% lower in Alabama than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 5.0%
How is daily life different in Alabama compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| 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 |
Will Alabama feel more crowded than California?
Alabama is about 87% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Alabama voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Alabama is colder on average (33°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Alabama?
Rain: Alabama gets more rain (56″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Alabama gets less snow (1 inch vs. 7 inches).
Is Alabama safer than California?
Alabama has a lower crime index than California (21.48 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Alabama?
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
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
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.
- 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.
- 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance 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.
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 Alabama?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Alabama?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Alabama moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Alabama?
Alabama 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. 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.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
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