How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to AL move
After studying pricing from 106 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to Alabama?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Pennsylvania 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 |
$1,068 – $4,588 |
$805 – $1,942 |
$657 – $1,247 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,431 – $5,520 |
$1,474 – $2,872 |
$670 – $1,341 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,964 – $7,498 |
$1,967 – $3,626 |
$857 – $1,666 |
*Estimated costs for a 986-mile move from PA 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 Pennsylvania to Alabama
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to Alabama will cost between
$1,068 and
$4,588.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from PA to AL will
range from $2,431 to
$5,520, and a large move from Pennsylvania
to Alabama will cost from $3,964
to $7,498.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Alabama
If you’re moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama,
expect to pay between $805
and $1,942 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,474 up to
$2,872.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,967 and
$3,626. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania 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
$657 and
$1,247.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $670
and $1,341. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $857 up to
$1,666 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to AL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 PA to AL
A relocation from Pennsylvania to Alabama comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Alabama
Comparing expenses in Pennsylvania 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:
|
Pennsylvania |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$1,110 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$268,824 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,170 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
99 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
6.34% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
3.07% |
5.0% |
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Expect to pay around 17% less in rent in Alabama than in Pennsylvania, 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 15% lower in Alabama than in Pennsylvania.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 19% lower than in Pennsylvania.
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Living in Alabama is about 11% cheaper than Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania, 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 45% higher in Alabama than in Pennsylvania, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 63% higher in Alabama than in Pennsylvania. 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. Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania across important lifestyle factors:
|
Alabama |
Pennsylvania |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
12,961,683 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
38″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
17.62 |
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With a population about 61% smaller than Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania and Alabama supported the Republican candidate.
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Alabama averages 91°F in summer compared to 83°F in Pennsylvania.
That extra heat means more sunshine and outdoor activity, but also higher cooling costs.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Alabama bottoms out around 33°F, compared to 19°F in Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania.
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 38 inches you’d deal with in Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania with a crime index of 21.48 vs. 17.62.
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 Pennsylvania vs. Alabama
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Alabama versus Pennsylvania:
| Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Abundant fun and recreational activities |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Top-notch college football |
| Excellent education options |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Alabama
Moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| Harsh winter weather |
Poor quality of life |
| Bad driving conditions |
Severe weather |
| Nuclear power plants |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| Unpredictable weather |
Poor healthcare |
| High taxes on gasoline |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania 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.
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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 Pennsylvania to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to Alabama?
What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama?
The main reasons people are moving from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Pennsylvania.
Housing
is much more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 17% less and home prices 15% lower than in Pennsylvania.
However, taxes are
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% 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 Pennsylvania?
Some movers in Pennsylvania provide budget-friendly deals.
In Pennsylvania, 1 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
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
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When moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama, expect to spend between
$2,431–$5,520 if using professional movers, about
$2,173 for a moving container, and around
$1,005
for a rental truck.
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