Factors that influence moving costs from Winston-Salem to Huntsville
What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Huntsville
Moving from Winston-Salem to Huntsville comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Huntsville is generally more expensive than Winston-Salem, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Winston-Salem | Huntsville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,409 |
Average home value | $248,806 | $266,736 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,431 | $60,959 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,420 | $3,133 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,265 | $4,140 |
Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.1% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Huntsville are 8% higher than in Winston-Salem, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Winston-Salem.
Home prices in Huntsville are 7.2% higher than in Winston-Salem. - Income in Huntsville is 2.4% lower than in Winston-Salem, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Huntsville include Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville Hospital, and Sequel Youth and Family Services.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Huntsville, since the cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 29.5% higher than in Winston-Salem. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 21.4% lower than in Winston-Salem.
- The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 40.38% lower than in Winston-Salem.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the cityโs sales taxes in Huntsville are 28.57% higher than in Winston-Salem.
- State income taxes in Huntsville are 11.11% higher than in Winston-Salem.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,883.88 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Huntsville
Huntsville | Winston-Salem | |
---|---|---|
Population | 241,114 | 249,545 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 3 |
Walkability score | 24 | 22 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 29 |
Crime Index | 42.55 | 32.67 |
Safety Index | 57.45 | 67.33 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Huntsville's population is about the same as Winston-Salem.
- Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Winston-Salem's higher score of 3.
- Huntsville and Winston-Salem are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 40 out of 100, Huntsville is more bike-friendly than Winston-Salem, which has a score of 29 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Huntsville's crime rate is higher than Winston-Salem with a score of 42.55 compared to Winston-Salem's 32.67. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67%.
- Huntsville is considered to be less safe than Winston-Salem with a score of 57.45 vs Winston-Salem's 67.33.
- Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Winston-Salem it's good.
Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem vs. Huntsville move
- Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Alabama, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toHuntsville Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Huntsville
Now that youโve chosen "Rocket City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Huntsville to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Five Points
- Downtown Huntsville
- Hampton Cove
- Whitesburg
- Research Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Blossomwood
- Hampton Cove
- Jones Valley
- Madison
- South Huntsville
Things to do in Huntsville
After getting comfortable in your new Alabama home, itโs time to see what Huntsville is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Huntsville include museums and art centers like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, and Earlyworks Museum Complex.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL), Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA), or Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Huntsville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Winston-Salem to Huntsville. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Winston-Salem.
When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Huntsville?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Winston-Salem to Huntsville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Winston-Salem to Huntsville take?
The 481-mile journey from Winston-Salem, NC to Huntsville, AL typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Winston-Salem offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Huntsville.