How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to AL move
After studying pricing from 84 Michigan movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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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 Michigan to Alabama?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Michigan 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 |
$1,187 – $4,602 |
$774 – $1,883 |
$609 – $1,140 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,531 – $5,893 |
$1,460 – $2,699 |
$657 – $1,288 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,123 – $8,262 |
$1,984 – $3,504 |
$808 – $1,615 |
*Estimated costs for a 932-mile move from MI to
AL are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 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 Michigan to Alabama
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Alabama will cost between
$1,187 and
$4,602.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to AL will
range from $2,531 to
$5,893, and a large move from Michigan
to Alabama will cost from $4,123
to $8,262.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Alabama
If you’re moving from Michigan to Alabama,
expect to pay between $774
and $1,883 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,460 up to
$2,699.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,984 and
$3,504. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan 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
$609 and
$1,140.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $657
and $1,288. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $808 up to
$1,615 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to AL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Michigan to Alabama. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Michigan is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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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 MI to AL
A relocation from Michigan to Alabama comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Michigan vs. Alabama
Comparing expenses in Michigan 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:
|
Michigan |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$1,037 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$245,716 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$68,505 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
92 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
4.25% |
5.0% |
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Expect to pay around 11% less in rent in Alabama than in Michigan, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 7% lower in Alabama than in Michigan.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 13% lower than in Michigan.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Alabama and Michigan, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 38% lower than Michigan, Alabama boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales taxes are 54% higher in Alabama than in Michigan, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 18% higher in Alabama than in Michigan. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Alabama vs. Michigan
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 Michigan across important lifestyle factors:
|
Alabama |
Michigan |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
10,037,261 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
14ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
34″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
64″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
19.98 |
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With a population about 49% smaller than Michigan, 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.
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During the last presidential election, both Michigan and Alabama supported the Republican candidate.
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Alabama averages 91°F in summer compared to 81°F in Michigan.
That extra heat means more sunshine and outdoor activity, but also higher cooling costs.
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During the coldest part of the year, Alabama bottoms out around 33°F, compared to 14°F in Michigan.
A move to Alabama with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
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Expect about 56 inches of rain each year in Alabama, a noticeable difference from the 34 inches you’re used to in Michigan.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
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In Alabama, you can expect about 1 inch of snow each year, much less than the 64 inches you’d deal with in Michigan.
So, if you’re moving to Alabama, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
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Alabama has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 21.48 vs. 19.98.
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 Michigan vs. Alabama
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Alabama versus Michigan:
| Pros of living in Michigan |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Scenic beauty |
Low cost of living |
| Good higher education |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Low cost of living |
Top-notch college football |
| Beautiful lakes |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Alabama
Moving from Michigan to Alabama comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Michigan |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| Cold snowy winters |
Poor quality of life |
| Spotty economic opportunity |
Severe weather |
| Poor transportation infrastructure |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| Expensive education |
Poor healthcare |
| Thick accents |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your Michigan 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.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Alabama moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Michigan to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from Michigan to Alabama?
What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Alabama?
The main reasons people are moving from Michigan 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 Michigan or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Michigan.
Housing
is much more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 11% less and home prices 7% lower than in Michigan.
However, taxes are
lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Alabama 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 Michigan?
Some movers in Michigan provide budget-friendly deals.
In Michigan, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 6 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 7 movers.
Student savings are available through 1 moving providers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Michigan to Alabama, expect to spend between
$2,531–$5,893 if using professional movers, about
$2,079 for a moving container, and around
$972
for a rental truck.
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