Factors that influence moving costs from Orlando to Huntsvilletoggle

The cost of Orlando movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Orlando to Huntsville might cost as little as $1,293, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,094.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Orlando, 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 $541 to $1,425. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Orlando to Huntsville

Moving from Orlando to Huntsville comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Huntsville is generally more expensive than Orlando, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Orlando Huntsville
Average rent cost $1,943 $1,409
Average home value $377,005 $266,736
Average income (per capita) $58,968 $60,959
Cost of living (single person) $2,877 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,012 $4,140
Unemployment rate 5.8% 3.1%
Sales tax 6.5% 9.0%
State income tax 0.0% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Huntsville are 28% lower than in Orlando, 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 29.2% lower than in Orlando.
  • Income in Huntsville is 3.4% higher than in Orlando, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Huntsville include Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville Hospital, and Sequel Youth and Family Services.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Huntsville, since the cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 8.9% higher than in Orlando. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 41.0% lower than in Orlando.
  • The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 46.55% lower than in Orlando.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Huntsville are 38.46% higher than in Orlando.
  • State income taxes in Huntsville are 5.00% higher than in Orlando.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,266.94 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Orlando.

How life is different in Orlando vs. Huntsville

Huntsville Orlando
Population 241,114 307,573
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 24 41
Bike friendliness score 40 57
Crime Index 42.55 49.57
Safety Index 57.45 50.43
Air Quality Good Good
  • Huntsville's population is about 22% less than Orlando.
  • Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Orlando's higher score of 6.
  • Huntsville is less walkable than Orlando with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Orlando's 41 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 Orlando, which has a score of 57 out of 100.
  • Huntsville's crime rate is lower than Orlando with a score of 42.55 compared to Orlando's 49.57. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Orlando neighborhoods are safer than 49.57%.
  • Huntsville is considered to be safer than Orlando with a safety index of 57.45 vs Orlando's 50.43.
  • Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Orlando it's good.

Other things to consider for your Orlando 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

Now that you've made the move to Alabama, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Huntsville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Huntsville, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 Orlando to Huntsville?

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

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Orlando 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 Orlando to Huntsville take?

The 618-mile journey from Orlando, FL to Huntsville, AL typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Orlando 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