How we chose the best moving companies for your MS to AL move
After studying pricing from 24 Mississippi 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 Mississippi to Alabama?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Mississippi 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 |
$619 – $2,514 |
$492 – $1,181 |
$161 – $272 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,275 – $3,600 |
$917 – $1,671 |
$163 – $325 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$1,632 – $4,458 |
$1,112 – $1,998 |
$196 – $347 |
*Estimated costs for a 157-mile move from MS 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 Mississippi to Alabama
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Mississippi to Alabama will cost between
$619 and
$2,514.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MS to AL will
range from $1,275 to
$3,600, and a large move from Mississippi
to Alabama will cost from $1,632
to $4,458.
Cost of moving containers from Mississippi to Alabama
If you’re moving from Mississippi to Alabama,
expect to pay between $492
and $1,181 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$917 up to
$1,671.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,112 and
$1,998. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Mississippi.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Mississippi 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
$161 and
$272.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $163
and $325. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $196 up to
$347 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MS to AL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 MS to AL
A relocation from Mississippi to Alabama comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Mississippi vs. Alabama
Comparing expenses in Mississippi 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:
|
Mississippi |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$896 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$181,313 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$68,505 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
85 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
7.0% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
4.7% |
5.0% |
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You don’t have to stress about your housing budget. Rental rates will be about the same if you’re moving from Mississippi to Alabama.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 25% higher in Alabama than in Mississippi.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 13% lower than in Mississippi.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Alabama and Mississippi, 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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Unemployment rates are similar in both Mississippi and Alabama, so you probably won’t notice much change in job prospects or competition once you relocate.
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Sales taxes are 32% higher in Alabama than in Mississippi, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 6% higher in Alabama than in Mississippi. 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. Mississippi
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 Mississippi across important lifestyle factors:
|
Alabama |
Mississippi |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
2,943,045 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Republican 60.9-38 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
57″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
19.92 |
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Alabama is about 74% more populous than Mississippi.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both Mississippi and Alabama supported the Republican candidate.
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In Alabama, summer highs hover around 91°F, while Mississippi sits at 91°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 reaches about 33°F and Mississippi gets down to 33°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
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In Alabama, you’ll get about 56 inches of rain each year, while Mississippi sees around 57 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
In Alabama, you’ll get about 1 inch of snow each year.
Meanwhile, Mississippi averages around 1 inch annually.
With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
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Alabama has a higher crime rate than Mississippi with a crime index of 21.48 vs. 19.92.
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 Mississippi vs. Alabama
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Alabama versus Mississippi:
| Pros of living in Mississippi |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Southern hospitality |
Low cost of living |
| Delicious comfort food |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| Mild winters |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Low cost of living |
Top-notch college football |
| Nice beaches |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in Mississippi vs. Alabama
Moving from Mississippi to Alabama comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Mississippi |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| Extreme weather |
Poor quality of life |
| Lackluster economy |
Severe weather |
| Low diversity |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| Poor healthcare |
Poor healthcare |
| Political homogeneity |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your Mississippi 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 Mississippi to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from Mississippi to Alabama?
What are the benefits of moving from Mississippi to Alabama?
The main reasons people are moving from Mississippi 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 Mississippi or Alabama?
Living in Mississippi usually costs less than in Alabama.
Housing
is much more affordable in Mississippi,
with average rent about 3% less and home prices 20% lower than in Alabama.
Taxes are also
lower in Mississippi, most notably income taxes, which are more than 6% 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.
Helpful moving resources
Mississippi moving services
Popular Mississippi routes
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When moving from Mississippi to Alabama, expect to spend between
$1,275–$3,600 if using professional movers, about
$1,294 for a moving container, and around
$244
for a rental truck.
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