Factors that influence moving costs from Irvine to Huntsvilletoggle

The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Irvine to Huntsville might cost as little as $1,567, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $13,058.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Irvine, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,322 to $3,501. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Irvine to Huntsville

Moving from Irvine to Huntsville means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Irvine than in Huntsville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Irvine compares to Huntsville so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Irvine Huntsville
Average rent cost $4,000 $1,409
Average home value $1,561,760 $266,736
Average income (per capita) $114,027 $60,959
Cost of living (single person) $9,167 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $18,000 $4,140
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.1%
Sales tax 7.75% 9.0%
State income tax 13.3% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Huntsville are 65% lower than in Irvine, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Huntsville.
    Home prices in Huntsville are 82.9% lower than in Irvine.
  • Income in Huntsville is 46.5% lower than in Irvine, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Huntsville include Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville Hospital, and Sequel Youth and Family Services.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 65.8% lower than in Irvine. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 77.0% lower than in Irvine.
  • The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 42.59% lower than in Irvine.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Huntsville are 16.13% higher than in Irvine.
  • One perk of moving to Huntsville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 62.41% lower than in Irvine.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,025.31 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.

How life is different in Irvine vs. Huntsville

Huntsville Irvine
Population 241,114 307,670
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 4
Walkability score 24 43
Bike friendliness score 40 69
Crime Index 42.55 31.01
Safety Index 57.45 68.99
Air Quality Good Good
  • Huntsville's population is about 22% less than Irvine.
  • Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Irvine's higher score of 4.
  • Huntsville is less walkable than Irvine with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Irvine's 43 out of 100.
  • Huntsville has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
  • Huntsville's crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 42.55 compared to Irvine's 31.01. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
  • Huntsville is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 57.45 vs Irvine's 68.99.
  • Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Irvine it's good.

Other things to consider for your Irvine vs. Huntsville move

  • Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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: 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 Huntsville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Huntsville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Rocket City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Huntsville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Five Points
  • Downtown Huntsville
  • Hampton Cove
  • Whitesburg
  • Research Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blossomwood
  • Hampton Cove
  • Jones Valley
  • Madison
  • South Huntsville

Things to do in Huntsville

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Alabama, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Huntsville has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Huntsville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, and Earlyworks Museum Complex.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL), Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA), or Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Irvine to Huntsville?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Irvine to Huntsville. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Irvine.

When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Huntsville?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Irvine to Huntsville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Irvine to Huntsville take?

The 2,003-mile journey from Irvine, CA to Huntsville, AL typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Irvine offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Huntsville.

Helpful moving resources