When moving from Maryland to Alabama, expect to spend between
$2,125–$5,092 if using professional movers, about
$2,042 for a moving container, and around
$962
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
The best local moving companies in Maryland
Maryland offers 44 interstate moving companies ready to support your move to Alabama. That’s why we’ve handpicked the best local movers in Maryland, highlighting companies that are known for their clear pricing, excellent reviews, and extensive services.
- Artisan Movers: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Helix Transfer and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- 495 Movers, Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Artisan Movers, established in 2018, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Rockville, MD. With stellar reviews on Yelp (4.3 average from 32 reviews) and Google My Business (4.9 average from 309 reviews), along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they clearly outshine many nearby competitors. Artisan Movers also provides office moving, packing and unpacking services, and specializes in moving pianos, art, and antiques. Unlike some of their competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2358272
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2358272
Alternate Names: Helix Transfer and Storage Northern Virginia
Helix Transfer and Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Gaithersburg, MD since 2013. With glowing consumer reviews—averaging 4.4 stars on Yelp and 4.9 stars on Google—this company stands out for its reliability and professionalism. Helix offers comprehensive services, including local and long-distance moves, packing and unpacking services, and even specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, Helix Transfer and Storage surpasses many nearby moving companies in customer satisfaction and service breadth.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Olympia Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Hyattsville, MD, since 1994. With a solid reputation backed by 149 Yelp reviews averaging 4.1 stars, 326 Google reviews averaging 4.6 stars, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among nearby competitors. In addition to local moves, they offer packing and unpacking services, storage options, and the capability to move delicate items like pianos and antiques. Olympia Moving & Storage accepts credit cards and offers full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind throughout the moving process.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 1893270
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1893270
495 Movers, Inc, based in Rockville, MD, has been offering reliable local residential moving services since 2010. Renowned for their professionalism and efficiency, they outrank many nearby competitors with outstanding consumer feedback, boasting a 4.1-star average on Yelp and an impressive 4.7 on Google, alongside an A+ BBB rating. Apart from local moves, they also provide office moving, packing and unpacking services, and are capable of handling specialty items like pianos and antiques. Accepting various payment methods and requiring no deposit, they further ensure peace of mind with full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking.
Services Offered
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2586700
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3306591
Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in Gaithersburg, MD, since 2016. Renowned for their exceptional customer service, they boast an average 4.5-star rating on Yelp and 4.8 stars on Google, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, and can handle delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. With a competitive rate of $125 per hour for local moves, Zip Moving And Storage stands out among nearby competitors for their reliability and wide-ranging expertise.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
The best Maryland to Alabama moving container companies
Moving containers are an affordable way to relocate without having to haul your stuff. You handle the packing and unpacking, while the company picks up your container in Maryland and drops it off at your new home in Alabama.
We’ve rounded up the top moving container companies to make your move easy and hassle-free:
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The best Maryland to Alabama moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Maryland to Alabama, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Maryland to Alabama labor-only movers
If you just need a hand loading your stuff into a container or rental truck, labor-only movers are a great option. They’ll send a crew sized to fit your move, and you only pay for the time you use.
Check out these highly rated moving labor companies for an easy move from Maryland to Alabama.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MD to AL move
After studying pricing from 51 Maryland movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
- Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Maryland to Alabama?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Maryland to Alabama. You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,031 – $4,153 | $800 – $1,982 | $610 – $1,129 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,125 – $5,092 | $1,354 – $2,730 | $634 – $1,290 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,581 – $6,924 | $1,970 – $3,751 | $747 – $1,519 |
*Estimated costs for a 869-mile move from MD to AL are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s dataset as of Nov 04, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling. For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Maryland to Alabama
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Maryland to Alabama will cost between $1,031 and $4,153. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MD to AL will range from $2,125 to $5,092, and a large move from Maryland to Alabama will cost from $3,581 to $6,924.
Cost of moving containers from Maryland to Alabama
If you’re moving from Maryland to Alabama, expect to pay between $800 and $1,982 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,354 up to $2,730. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,970 and $3,751. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland to Alabama
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $610 and $1,129. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $634 and $1,290. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $747 up to $1,519 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MD to AL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Maryland to Alabama. Here’s what might influence your total price:
- Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Maryland is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from MD to AL
A relocation from Maryland to Alabama comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Maryland vs. Alabama
Comparing expenses in Maryland and Alabama shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
| Maryland | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,598 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $418,438 | $227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) | $98,461 | $59,609 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 88 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 9.22% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 5.0% |
- Expect to pay around 42% less in rent in Alabama than in Maryland, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 46% lower in Alabama than in Maryland.
- Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 39% lower than in Maryland.
- Living in Alabama is about 12% cheaper than Maryland. That means big savings for you, but it’s still important to plan your move carefully.
- Unemployment rates are similar in both Maryland and Alabama, so you probably won’t notice much change in job prospects or competition once you relocate.
- Sales taxes are 54% higher in Alabama than in Maryland, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 13% lower in Alabama than in Maryland. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Alabama vs. Maryland
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live. It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture, and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look at how life in Alabama stacks up against Maryland across important lifestyle factors:
| Alabama | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,108,468 | 6,180,253 |
| Political leaning | Republican 65-35 | Democratic 63-34.4 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 25ºF |
| Annual rain | 56″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 19″ |
| Crime index | 21.48 | 20.34 |
- With a population about 17% smaller than Maryland, Alabama offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle. Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
- In the most recent presidential election, Alabama leaned Republican, while Maryland went with Democratic.
- In Alabama, summer highs hover around 91°F, while Maryland sits at 87°F. Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
- During the coldest part of the year, Alabama bottoms out around 33°F, compared to 25°F in Maryland. A move to Alabama with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
- Expect about 56 inches of rain each year in Alabama, a noticeable difference from the 44 inches you’re used to in Maryland. With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
- In Alabama, you can expect about 1 inch of snow each year, much less than the 19 inches you’d deal with in Maryland. So, if you’re moving to Alabama, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Alabama has a higher crime rate than Maryland with a crime index of 21.48 vs. 20.34. A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Maryland vs. Alabama
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting. Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Alabama versus Maryland:
| Pros of living in Maryland | Pros of living in Alabama |
|---|---|
| Delicious food | Low cost of living |
| Ample economic opportunity | Tasty southern comfort food |
| Diverse outdoor activities | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Beautiful coastline | Top-notch college football |
| Rich history | Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in Maryland vs. Alabama
Moving from Maryland to Alabama comes with its own set of challenges. Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Maryland | Cons of living in Alabama |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Poor quality of life |
| Bad traffic | Severe weather |
| High crime | Restrictive alcohol laws |
| High homelessness | Poor healthcare |
| Peculiar alcohol laws | Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your Maryland to Alabama move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Alabama moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Alabama, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Alabama without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Alabama
Get ready to discover all that Alabama has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new 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 Maryland to Alabama?
Opting for a full-service Maryland moving company might mean a higher upfront cost, but it lets you relax while the pros tackle all the details. Want to be more budget-friendly? You can rent a moving truck or choose a moving container. Just keep in mind you’ll be taking on more of the work yourself. If you’re keen to cut costs even further, check out our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Maryland to Alabama?
Plenty of full-service movers can handle your car transport for an added cost. Prefer to manage it yourself? You can quickly set up vehicle shipping from Maryland to Alabama using a top-rated auto transport company.
What are the benefits of moving from Maryland to Alabama?
The main reasons people are moving from Maryland to Alabama are the amazing upsides of living in Alabama, such as low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food.
Is it cheaper to live in Maryland or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Maryland. Housing is more affordable in Alabama, with average rent about 42% less and home prices 46% lower than in Maryland. Taxes are also lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Maryland residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Alabama?
You should make approximately $50,117 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Alabama. The cost of living in Alabama is about $2,494 per month for an individual and $4,812 for a family of four. Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Huntsville and Montgomery tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Maryland?
Some movers in Maryland provide budget-friendly deals. Special pricing for military members is available from 4 moving companies. Discounts for seniors are offered by 9 movers. Student savings are available through 1 moving providers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
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