How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to AL move
After studying pricing from 52 South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Alabama?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Carolina 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 |
$968 – $2,888 |
$628 – $1,519 |
$356 – $598 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,574 – $4,407 |
$1,136 – $2,111 |
$369 – $776 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,757 – $6,223 |
$1,404 – $2,719 |
$459 – $859 |
*Estimated costs for a 399-mile move from SC 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 South Carolina to Alabama
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Alabama will cost between
$968 and
$2,888.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SC to AL will
range from $1,574 to
$4,407, and a large move from South Carolina
to Alabama will cost from $2,757
to $6,223.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Alabama
If you’re moving from South Carolina to Alabama,
expect to pay between $628
and $1,519 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,136 up to
$2,111.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,404 and
$2,719. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina 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
$356 and
$598.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $369
and $776. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $459 up to
$859 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to AL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 SC to AL
A relocation from South Carolina to Alabama comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Alabama
Comparing expenses in South Carolina 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:
|
South Carolina |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$1,065 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$295,769 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$63,623 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
7.46% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
7.0% |
5.0% |
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Expect to pay around 13% less in rent in Alabama than in South Carolina, 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 23% lower in Alabama than in South Carolina.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 6% lower than in South Carolina.
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Living in Alabama is about 8% cheaper than South Carolina. 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 38% lower than South Carolina, 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 24% higher in Alabama than in South Carolina, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 29% lower in Alabama than in South Carolina. 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. South Carolina
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 South Carolina across important lifestyle factors:
|
Alabama |
South Carolina |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
5,373,555 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
28.0 |
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Both Alabama and South Carolina have similar population sizes, so you’ll likely find comparable resources and opportunities in each.
However, your day-to-day experience will really depend on the distinct vibe, economy, and culture that each state offers.
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During the last presidential election, both South Carolina and Alabama supported the Republican candidate.
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In Alabama, summer highs hover around 91°F, while South Carolina 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 South Carolina gets down to 33°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
-
Expect about 56 inches of rain each year in Alabama, a noticeable difference from the 48 inches you’re used to in South Carolina.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
-
In Alabama, you’ll get about 1 inch of snow each year.
Meanwhile, South Carolina averages around 1 inch annually.
With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
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Alabama has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 21.48 vs. 28.0.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. Alabama
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Alabama versus South Carolina:
| Pros of living in South Carolina |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Warm southern hospitality |
Low cost of living |
| Plentiful outdoor activities |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Consistently gorgeous weather |
Top-notch college football |
| Rich historical significance |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Alabama
Moving from South Carolina to Alabama comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in South Carolina |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| High cost of living |
Poor quality of life |
| Hurricane frequency |
Severe weather |
| Low quality of healthcare |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| High taxes |
Poor healthcare |
| Abundance of construction |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina 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.
-
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 South Carolina to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to Alabama?
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Alabama?
The main reasons people are moving from South Carolina 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 South Carolina or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in South Carolina.
Housing
is more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 13% less and home prices 23% lower than in South Carolina.
Taxes are also
lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by South Carolina 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
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
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When moving from South Carolina to Alabama, expect to spend between
$1,574–$4,407 if using professional movers, about
$1,623 for a moving container, and around
$572
for a rental truck.
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