How we chose the best moving companies for your ID to AL move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 22 Idaho moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Idaho to Alabama?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Idaho to Alabama.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,378 – $5,605 |
$1,203 – $2,781 |
$1,223 – $2,202 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,775 – $8,624 |
$1,996 – $4,034 |
$1,235 – $2,728 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$7,746 – $12,456 |
$2,738 – $5,741 |
$1,558 – $3,443 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,145-mile move from ID to
AL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Idaho to Alabama
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Idaho to Alabama typically costs between
$1,378 and
$5,605.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$3,775
and $8,624
when moving from ID to AL.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Idaho to Alabama,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,746
up to $12,456.
Cost of moving containers from Idaho to Alabama
If you’re relocating from Idaho to Alabama,
you’ll typically spend between $1,203
and $2,781 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,996 up to
$4,034.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$2,738 and
$5,741. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Idaho.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Idaho to Alabama
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$1,223 and
$2,202.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$1,235 to
$2,728.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $1,558 and
$3,443.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from ID to AL
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Idaho to Alabama. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
-
Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Idaho, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from ID to AL
Transitioning from Idaho to Alabama gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Idaho vs. Alabama
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Idaho and Alabama are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Idaho |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$1,061 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$451,520 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,214 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
106 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.7% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
6.03% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
5.8% |
5.0% |
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Rent is about 13% less expensive in Alabama than in Idaho, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
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Home prices in Alabama are about 50% lower than in Idaho, making your monthly mortgage much more manageable.
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Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Alabama are roughly 15% lower than in Idaho.
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Moving to Alabama costs about 17% less than living in Idaho. You’ll save a lot, but smart planning is still key for a smooth move.
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With an unemployment rate roughly 22% lower than Idaho, Alabama offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
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Sales tax in Alabama runs 53% higher than in Idaho, so expect to spend more on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and household goods.
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Income taxes are 14% lower in Alabama compared to Idaho. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.
How life is different in Alabama vs. Idaho
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Alabama and Idaho compare.
|
Alabama |
Idaho |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
1,964,726 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Republican 70-30 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
18″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
47″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
11.68 |
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If you’re moving from Idaho to Alabama, you’ll find Alabama has about 160% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
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The last presidential election saw both Idaho and Alabama siding with the Republican party.
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The average summer high in Alabama is 91°F compared to 85°F in Idaho.
A hotter climate brings more sunshine and outdoor opportunities, but be prepared for higher cooling bills and a warmer adjustment period.
-
In winter, Alabama drops only to 33°F, milder than 17°F in Idaho.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
-
Get ready for about 56 inches of rain each year in Alabama.
That’s quite a change from the 18 inches you’re used to back in Idaho. More rain means greener scenery but also some soggy days, so pack your rain gear and make a few adjustments to settle in quickly and comfortably.
-
In Alabama, it only snows about 1 inch annually while Idaho gets 47 inches.
Moving to Alabama, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
-
Alabama has a higher crime rate than Idaho, with a crime index of 21.48 compared to 11.68.
While a higher statewide crime rate isn’t necessarily a reason to rule out your move, it’s smart to research specific neighborhoods, stay aware of local safety, and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Comparing the pros of Idaho vs. Alabama
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Alabama to Idaho:
| Pros of living in Idaho |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| Low cost of living |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| High quality of life |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Top-notch college football |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in Idaho vs. Alabama
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Idaho to Alabama:
| Cons of living in Idaho |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| Low diversity |
Poor quality of life |
| Harsh winters |
Severe weather |
| Political dominance |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| Isolation |
Poor healthcare |
| Competitive housing |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your Idaho to Alabama move
-
HOA rules:
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
-
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 your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
-
State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Alabama moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Alabama, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
-
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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Alabama. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Alabama
Get excited to explore Alabama. Don’t miss these top spots 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 Idaho to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from Idaho to Alabama?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an
additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from
Idaho to
Alabama
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Idaho to Alabama?
Many people are making the move from Idaho to Alabama to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Alabama has to offer, like low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food.
Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Idaho.
Housing
is more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 13% less and home prices 50% lower than in Idaho.
Taxes are also
lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Idaho residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Alabama?
Planning to move to Alabama? A single adult should aim for an income of around $50,117 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $2,494 for an individual, or $4,812 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Huntsville and Montgomery usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Idaho?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Idaho:
2 movers offer AAA member savings;
2 provide military discounts;
1 have senior-discount programs;
1 extend special rates to law enforcement.
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When relocating from Idaho to Alabama, expect professional movers to cost around
$3,775 to
$8,624, roughly
$3,015 for a container move, and close to
$1,981
for a rental truck.
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