How we chose the best moving companies for your TN to AL move
Using rate data from 71 Tennessee movers, our team spotlighted the top companies that deliver on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost-effectiveness.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Owns mistakes and works quickly to make things right when issues pop up.
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Industry reputation (15%): Well regarded in the moving community and engaged in professional groups.
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Online reputation (15%): Accurate website info plus timely, professional replies to messages and reviews.
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Service options (10%): Full-service capabilities—packing, storage, specialty handling, and expedited options.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Tennessee to Alabama?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Tennessee
to Alabama with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$914 – $3,028 |
$587 – $1,428 |
$283 – $526 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,441 – $4,483 |
$1,077 – $2,017 |
$288 – $623 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$1,946 – $5,731 |
$1,406 – $2,475 |
$383 – $719 |
*These ranges are rough estimates for a 257-mile move from TN to
AL, based on pricing data
compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. We gather thousands of verified prices from
movers nationwide and refresh the dataset each month to reflect seasonal shifts and market changes.
Your actual cost can vary with factors like shipment size, add-on services, parking or access
constraints, fuel costs, and timing. To get the most accurate number, compare quotes from
several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Tennessee to Alabama
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Tennessee to Alabama,
you can expect to spend between $914
and $3,028.
For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually range from $1,441 to
$4,483 on the same route
(TN to AL). Got a larger household? Moving a
four- or five-bedroom home from Tennessee to Alabama typically runs between
$1,946 and
$5,731.
Cost of moving containers from Tennessee to Alabama
Moving from Tennessee to Alabama? For a small load,
you’ll likely pay between $587 and
$1,428. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home,
costs usually range from $1,077 to
$2,017. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house?
Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,406 up to
$2,475. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our
complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
to help with your move from Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tennessee to Alabama
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option.
Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between
$283 and
$526.
For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between
$288 and
$623.
Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be
somewhere between $383 and
$719.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from TN to AL
There are many factors that influence Tennessee moving costs. The cost to move from Tennessee to Alabama will depend on these factors:
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How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
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When you move: Summer moves in Tennessee fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
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Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.
What to know before moving from TN to AL
Moving between Tennessee and Alabama involves more than distance — it’s about understanding how your everyday life will change.
Cost of living: Tennessee vs. Alabama
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between
Tennessee and Alabama. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates,
this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle.
Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
|
Tennessee |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$1,047 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$319,208 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$64,035 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.3% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
9.55% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
0.0% |
5.0% |
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Rent in Alabama is about 12% cheaper than in Tennessee, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Alabama are roughly 29% less than in Tennessee, so you’ll enjoy lower monthly mortgage payments.
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Be sure to adjust your budget before moving. Average incomes in Alabama are about 7% lower than in Tennessee.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Tennessee and Alabama, you can focus less on your budget and more on choosing the home that suits your lifestyle best.
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Alabama has a lower unemployment rate than Tennessee by about 12%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
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Sales tax is similar in Alabama and Tennessee, so you won’t see much change in what you pay at the register after your move.
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Alabama has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
How life is different in Alabama vs. Tennessee
Starting fresh in a new state means adjusting to more than just logistics. Weather trends, crime levels, political climate, and population density all play into the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of how Alabama differs from Tennessee in these areas.
|
Alabama |
Tennessee |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
7,126,489 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
88ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
27ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
53″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
5″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
29.24 |
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With a population about 28% smaller than Tennessee, Alabama offers you more room to breathe, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lower overall cost of living.
Keep in mind, though, that you may also have fewer amenities and a slower job market.
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In the last presidential election, both Tennessee and Alabama voted Republican.
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Summer highs in Alabama average 91°F, almost the same as 88°F in Tennessee.
With such similar conditions, your adjustment should be smooth, though humidity and weather patterns may still play a role.
-
Winters in Alabama average 33°F, compared to 27°F in Tennessee.
The milder lows mean less strain on heating, gentler weather, and more comfortable outdoor living.
-
In Alabama, you’ll get about 56 inches of rain each year, almost the same as the 53 inches you’ve been used to in Tennessee.
Although the total rainfall won’t change much with your move, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls might affect your daily routine.
-
In Alabama, you’ll get about 1 inch of snow each year.
Meanwhile, Tennessee usually sees around 5 inches annually.
With snowfall levels being similar in both states, you shouldn’t run into any surprising weather issues after you move.
-
Alabama offers a safer environment than Tennessee, with a crime index of 21.48 versus 29.24.
You’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and fewer worries. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s reassuring to know you’re headed somewhere more secure.
Comparing the pros of Tennessee vs. Alabama
There’s something exciting about a fresh start.
Here’s a quick look at how life in Alabama stacks up against Tennessee:
| Pros of living in Tennessee |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Abundant recreational opportunities |
Low cost of living |
| No income taxes |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| Legendary music scene |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Natural beauty and parks galore |
Top-notch college football |
| Delicious southern comfort food |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in Tennessee vs. Alabama
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are.
As you get ready to move from Tennessee to Alabama, keep these tips in mind:
| Cons of living in Tennessee |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| Tendency for severe weather |
Poor quality of life |
| Oppressive summer heat and humidity |
Severe weather |
| Abundant presence of nuclear power plants |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| Traffic congestion |
Poor healthcare |
| High urban crime rates |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your Tennessee to Alabama move
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
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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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
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State regulator:
Easily verify the status of a Alabama moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
-
Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Alabama right on time. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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:
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in Alabama
Get ready to discover Alabama. Check out these must-visit places in your new home 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 Tennessee to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from Tennessee to Alabama?
Many full-service moving companies can arrange auto transport for an extra fee as part of your moving
package. Alternatively, you can book
vehicle
transport from Tennessee to Alabama
separately with a leading car shipping provider.
What are the benefits of moving from Tennessee to Alabama?
More and more folks are relocating from Tennessee to Alabama to enjoy all the perks that come with living there, such as low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food.
Is it cheaper to live in Tennessee or Alabama?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Tennessee.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 12% less and home prices 29% lower than in Tennessee.
The tax rate is about the same between Tennessee and Alabama.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Alabama?
If you’re planning to live on your own in Alabama, aim for an income of around $50,117 to live comfortably.
Expect monthly expenses to be about $2,494 if you’re flying solo, or $4,812 for a family of four.
Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Huntsville and Montgomery usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Tennessee?
Looking to save on your move? These discounts are currently offered in Tennessee.
Military families can take advantage of special pricing through 5 moving companies.
Savings for seniors are available from 3 movers.
Students benefit from discounts provided by 2 moving companies.
Teachers and educators receive discounted rates with 1 movers.
Law enforcement professionals can access special rates from 2 moving providers.
Terms differ by mover, so ask about current discounts when requesting quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Tennessee moving services
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When planning a move from Tennessee to Alabama, professional movers typically run between
$1,441 and $4,483, a moving container averages about
$1,547, and a rental truck is around
$455.
Fact Checked by:
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