How we chose the best moving companies for your RI to AL move
After studying pricing from 10 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island to Alabama?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Rhode Island 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 |
$1,097 – $4,496 |
$840 – $2,058 |
$723 – $1,437 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,321 – $5,995 |
$1,629 – $3,211 |
$798 – $1,726 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,207 – $7,830 |
$2,017 – $4,298 |
$1,024 – $1,961 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,239-mile move from RI 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 Rhode Island to Alabama
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Rhode Island to Alabama will cost between
$1,097 and
$4,496.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from RI to AL will
range from $2,321 to
$5,995, and a large move from Rhode Island
to Alabama will cost from $4,207
to $7,830.
Cost of moving containers from Rhode Island to Alabama
If you’re moving from Rhode Island to Alabama,
expect to pay between $840
and $2,058 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,629 up to
$3,211.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,017 and
$4,298. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Rhode Island.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Rhode Island 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
$723 and
$1,437.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $798
and $1,726. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,024 up to
$1,961 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from RI to AL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 RI to AL
A relocation from Rhode Island to Alabama comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Rhode Island vs. Alabama
Comparing expenses in Rhode Island 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:
|
Rhode Island |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$1,195 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$467,485 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$81,370 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.6% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
7.0% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
5.99% |
5.0% |
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Expect to pay around 23% less in rent in Alabama than in Rhode Island, 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 51% lower in Alabama than in Rhode Island.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 27% lower than in Rhode Island.
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Living in Alabama is about 12% cheaper than Rhode Island. 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 37% lower than Rhode Island, 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 32% higher in Alabama than in Rhode Island, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 17% lower in Alabama than in Rhode Island. 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. Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island across important lifestyle factors:
|
Alabama |
Rhode Island |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
1,093,734 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
50″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
35″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
14.58 |
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Alabama is about 367% more populous than Rhode Island.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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In the most recent presidential election, Alabama leaned Republican, while Rhode Island went with Democratic.
-
Alabama averages 91°F in summer compared to 82°F in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island.
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 50 inches you’re used to in Rhode Island.
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 35 inches you’d deal with in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island with a crime index of 21.48 vs. 14.58.
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 Rhode Island vs. Alabama
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Alabama versus Rhode Island:
| Pros of living in Rhode Island |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Low cost of living |
| Delicious seafood |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| Rich history |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Amazing beaches |
Top-notch college football |
| Short drives |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in Rhode Island vs. Alabama
Moving from Rhode Island to Alabama comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Rhode Island |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| High cost of living |
Poor quality of life |
| Heavy traffic and lousy drivers |
Severe weather |
| Smallest state |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| Cold winters |
Poor healthcare |
| Dense population |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your Rhode Island 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.
-
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 Rhode Island to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from Rhode Island to Alabama?
What are the benefits of moving from Rhode Island to Alabama?
The main reasons people are moving from Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Rhode Island.
Housing
is more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 23% less and home prices 51% lower than in Rhode Island.
Taxes are also
lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Rhode Island 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
Rhode Island moving services
Popular Rhode Island routes
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When moving from Rhode Island to Alabama, expect to spend between
$2,321–$5,995 if using professional movers, about
$2,420 for a moving container, and around
$1,262
for a rental truck.
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