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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Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Alabama?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,073 – $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 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,073 – $3,557
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,032 – $5,113
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,766 – $7,251
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Alabama?
- Small move: $754 – $1,829
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,243 – $2,539
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,665 – $3,203
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $517 – $934
- 2–3 bedrooms: $537 – $1,165
- 4+ bedrooms: $719 – $1,439
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 727-mile move from IL to AL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
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 IL to AL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| 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% |
Will rent be more expensive in Alabama?
Rent is about 22% lower in Alabama than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $925
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 9% lower in Alabama than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $227,508
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 24% lower in Alabama than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $59,609
Is the overall cost of living higher in Alabama?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Alabama.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 88
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Illinois and Alabama.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 9.22%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income tax rates are similar in Illinois and Alabama.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 5.0%
How is daily life different in Alabama compared to Illinois?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| 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 |
Will Alabama feel more crowded than Illinois?
Alabama is about 59% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Alabama voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Alabama is milder on average (33°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Alabama?
Rain: Alabama gets more rain (56″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Alabama gets less snow (1 inch vs. 22 inches).
Is Alabama safer than Illinois?
Alabama has a higher crime index than Illinois (21.48 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Alabama?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
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?
You don’t need a moving permit in Alabama, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide basic insurance (“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.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
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