How we chose the best moving companies for your MN to AL move
After studying pricing from 50 Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Alabama?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Minnesota 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 |
$1,258 – $4,682 |
$897 – $2,202 |
$778 – $1,441 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,729 – $6,180 |
$1,622 – $3,335 |
$876 – $1,769 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,824 – $9,049 |
$2,245 – $4,347 |
$1,047 – $2,290 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,326-mile move from MN 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 Minnesota to Alabama
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Minnesota to Alabama will cost between
$1,258 and
$4,682.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MN to AL will
range from $2,729 to
$6,180, and a large move from Minnesota
to Alabama will cost from $4,824
to $9,049.
Cost of moving containers from Minnesota to Alabama
If you’re moving from Minnesota to Alabama,
expect to pay between $897
and $2,202 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,622 up to
$3,335.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,245 and
$4,347. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minnesota 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
$778 and
$1,441.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $876
and $1,769. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,047 up to
$2,290 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MN to AL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 MN to AL
A relocation from Minnesota to Alabama comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Minnesota vs. Alabama
Comparing expenses in Minnesota 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:
|
Minnesota |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$1,178 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$334,119 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$84,313 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
94 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
8.03% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
9.85% |
5.0% |
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Expect to pay around 21% less in rent in Alabama than in Minnesota, 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 32% lower in Alabama than in Minnesota.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 29% lower than in Minnesota.
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Living in Alabama is about 6% cheaper than Minnesota. That means big savings for you, but it’s still important to plan your move carefully.
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With an unemployment rate about 15% lower than Minnesota, 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 15% higher in Alabama than in Minnesota, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 49% lower in Alabama than in Minnesota. 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. Minnesota
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 Minnesota across important lifestyle factors:
|
Alabama |
Minnesota |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
5,737,915 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Democratic 51.1-46.9 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
2ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
29″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
47″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
22.47 |
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With a population about 11% smaller than Minnesota, 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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In the most recent presidential election, Alabama leaned Republican, while Minnesota went with Democratic.
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Alabama averages 91°F in summer compared to 81°F in Minnesota.
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 2°F in Minnesota.
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 29 inches you’re used to in Minnesota.
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 47 inches you’d deal with in Minnesota.
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 and Minnesota have similar crime rates (21.48 vs. 22.47).
Even with similar state-level crime rates, the distribution of crime can vary widely, so it’s important to research at the city or neighborhood level, as well.
Comparing the pros of Minnesota vs. Alabama
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Alabama versus Minnesota:
| Pros of living in Minnesota |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| Multitudinous lakes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Diverse festivals |
Top-notch college football |
| Friendly people |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in Minnesota vs. Alabama
Moving from Minnesota to Alabama comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Minnesota |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| Bland food |
Poor quality of life |
| Cold snowy winters |
Severe weather |
| Terrible traffic |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| High tax burden |
Poor healthcare |
| Thick accents |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your Minnesota 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.
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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 Minnesota to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from Minnesota to Alabama?
What are the benefits of moving from Minnesota to Alabama?
The main reasons people are moving from Minnesota 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 Minnesota or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Minnesota.
Housing
is more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 21% less and home prices 32% lower than in Minnesota.
Taxes are also
lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Some movers in Minnesota provide budget-friendly deals.
In Minnesota, 4 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Minnesota moving services
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When moving from Minnesota to Alabama, expect to spend between
$2,729–$6,180 if using professional movers, about
$2,478 for a moving container, and around
$1,322
for a rental truck.
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