How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to AL move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Alabama?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to Alabama.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,073 – $3,557 |
$754 – $1,829 |
$517 – $934 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,032 – $5,113 |
$1,243 – $2,539 |
$537 – $1,165 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,766 – $7,251 |
$1,665 – $3,203 |
$719 – $1,439 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 727-mile move from IL to
AL using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Alabama
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to Alabama,
you can expect prices to land between $1,073
and $3,557.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,032 to
$5,113 for the trip from IL
to AL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,766 and
$7,251.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Alabama
Moving containers from Illinois to Alabama
will cost you $754 to
$1,829 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,243
to $2,539. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,665 to
$3,203.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Alabama
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$517
and $934
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $537
to $1,165.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$719
to $1,439.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to AL
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Illinois to Alabama. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
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Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Illinois generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from IL to AL
Making the move from Illinois to Alabama means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Alabama
A clear look at the cost differences between Illinois and Alabama helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Illinois |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$1,179 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$249,224 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$78,433 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.3% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
8.82% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
5.0% |
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You’ll pay about 22% less in rent in Alabama compared to Illinois, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Alabama are around 9% lower than in Illinois. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 24% lower Alabama than in Illinois.
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Since living costs in Alabama and Illinois are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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With an unemployment rate around 45% lower than Illinois, Alabama offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
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No need to worry about sales tax since rates are similar in Illinois and Alabama.
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Your income tax rates will be similar in Illinois and Alabama, so your paycheck deductions won’t change when you move.
How life is different in Alabama vs. Illinois
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Alabama and Illinois compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Alabama |
Illinois |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
12,549,689 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
86ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
40″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
22″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
19.7 |
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The population of Alabama is about 59% smaller than that of Illinois.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
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In the latest presidential election, Alabama voted Republican, while Illinois chose Democratic.
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Summer highs average 91°F in Alabama, compared to 86°F in Illinois.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Alabama has winter lows around 33°F, compared to 17°F in Illinois.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 56 inches of annual rainfall in Alabama versus only 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
-
In Alabama, you’ll get about 1 inch of snow each year, far less than Illinois.
That means moving to Alabama will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Alabama has a higher crime rate than Illinois, with crime indexes at 21.48 and 19.7, respectively.
While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Alabama
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Alabama compared to Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Home of chicago |
Low cost of living |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Delicious food |
Top-notch college football |
| World-class sports culture |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Alabama
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Illinois to Alabama:
| Cons of living in Illinois |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| Harsh winter weather |
Poor quality of life |
| Bad traffic |
Severe weather |
| High crime rate |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| Dull landscape |
Poor healthcare |
| Strict laws |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Alabama move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
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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. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Alabama moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Alabama, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
-
Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Alabama right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. 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:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Alabama
You’ll have plenty to explore in Alabama! Check out these top spots to visit 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 Illinois to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Alabama?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Alabama?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Illinois for Alabama, drawn by advantages like low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Illinois.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 22% less and home prices 9% lower than in Illinois.
However, taxes are
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 1% less than those paid by Alabama residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Alabama?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Alabama, you should aim to make around $50,117.
On average, expect to spend about $2,494 per month, or $4,812 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Huntsville and Montgomery generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Illinois?
Many movers in Illinois publish special-rate programs:
1 honor AAA member discounts;
1 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Illinois to Alabama, budget between $2,032–$5,113 for full-service movers, around
$1,891 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$851
for a rental truck.
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