How we chose the best moving companies for your WV to AL move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 10 West Virginia movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from West Virginia to Alabama?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from West Virginia
to Alabama, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,114 – $3,918 |
$718 – $1,653 |
$520 – $976 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,309 – $5,385 |
$1,306 – $2,483 |
$550 – $1,125 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,860 – $8,080 |
$1,680 – $3,226 |
$695 – $1,283 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 704-mile relocation from WV to
AL, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from West Virginia to Alabama
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from West Virginia to Alabama, you’ll likely pay between
$1,114
and $3,918.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$2,309 and $5,385
for the same journey (WV to AL).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,860
to $8,080.
Cost of moving containers from West Virginia to Alabama
When you’re heading from West Virginia to Alabama, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $718 and
$1,653. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,306 and
$2,483. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,680
to $3,226. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from West Virginia easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from West Virginia to Alabama
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$520
to $976.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $550
to $1,125, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from West Virginia to Alabama costs around
$695 to
$1,283.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from WV to AL
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from West Virginia to Alabama. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in West Virginia when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from WV to AL
If you’re moving to Alabama from West Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: West Virginia vs. Alabama
Understanding how costs compare between West Virginia and Alabama can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
West Virginia |
Alabama |
| Average rent |
$899 |
$925 |
| Average home cost |
$168,172 |
$227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$55,217 |
$59,609 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.2% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
9.22% |
| State income tax |
6.5% |
5.0% |
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No need to stress about your budget—rental rates are about the same when you’re moving from West Virginia to Alabama.
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Prepare for a higher monthly mortgage. Home prices in Alabama are typically about 35% higher than in West Virginia.
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You’re likely to earn about 8% more in Alabama than in West Virginia. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
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With the cost of living being about the same in Alabama and West Virginia, you can shift your focus from finances to quality of life and lifestyle fit.
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Alabama boasts an unemployment rate about 31% lower than West Virginia. That means you’ll find a stronger job market and a more robust local economy, a great sign if you’re planning a move.
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Sales taxes are 54% higher in Alabama than in West Virginia. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes in Alabama are 23% lower than in West Virginia. That means you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you with extra cash to save, invest, or spend however you want.
How life is different in Alabama vs. West Virginia
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Alabama and West Virginia line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Alabama |
West Virginia |
| Population |
5,108,468 |
1,782,959 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 65-35 |
Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
21ºF |
| Annual rain |
56″ |
45″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
33″ |
| Crime index |
21.48 |
17.47 |
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The population of Alabama is approximately 187% greater than the population of West Virginia.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
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In the most recent presidential race, both West Virginia and Alabama leaned Republican.
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Alabama averages 91°F in the summer, compared to 83°F in West Virginia.
Hotter summers bring more sunshine and outdoor opportunities but also more reliance on air conditioning.
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Winter lows in Alabama average 33°F, milder than 21°F in West Virginia.
Easier winters bring lower bills, fewer hassles, and more freedom to enjoy life outdoors.
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Get ready for about 56 inches of rain each year in Alabama, which is quite a change from the 45 inches you’re used to in West Virginia.
The rain can make for some lovely lush greens, but it also means more soggy days. Pack your rain gear and get ready to settle in comfortably, no matter the weather.
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In Alabama, you’ll only get about 1 inch of snow each year, much less than West Virginia.
That means moving to Alabama brings milder winters, less time shoveling, and lower maintenance.
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Alabama has a higher crime rate than West Virginia, with a crime index of 21.48 compared to 17.47.
While a statewide crime rate isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s smart to research neighborhoods.
Comparing the pros of West Virginia vs. Alabama
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Alabama and West Virginia:
| Pros of living in West Virginia |
Pros of living in Alabama |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Abundant outdoor activities |
Tasty southern comfort food |
| 4 distinct seasons of weather |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Immense natural beauty |
Top-notch college football |
| Relaxed small cities and towns |
Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in West Virginia vs. Alabama
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving West Virginia for Alabama:
| Cons of living in West Virginia |
Cons of living in Alabama |
| Dismal economy |
Poor quality of life |
| High rates of crime |
Severe weather |
| High rates of drug abuse |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
| Shrinking population |
Poor healthcare |
| Lack of diversity |
Cockroaches |
Other things to consider for your West Virginia to Alabama move
-
HOA rules:
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
-
Elevator reservation:
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
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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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Alabama, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
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Change of address:
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Alabama right on schedule. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. 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:
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Things to do in Alabama
While you’re in Alabama, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit 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 West Virginia to Alabama?
Do movers transport your car from West Virginia to Alabama?
What are the benefits of moving from West Virginia to Alabama?
An increasing number of people are relocating from West Virginia to Alabama to enjoy all the great benefits Alabama provides, such as low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food.
Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia or Alabama?
Living in West Virginia usually costs less than in Alabama.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in West Virginia,
with average rent about 3% less and home prices 26% lower than in Alabama.
However, taxes are
lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by West Virginia residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Alabama?
Thinking of moving to Alabama on your own? You’ll want to earn around $50,117 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $2,494 per month, or around $4,812 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Huntsville and Montgomery tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
West Virginia moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
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When moving from West Virginia to Alabama, you’ll likely pay between $2,309–$5,385 with professional movers, roughly
$1,894 for a moving container, and about
$837
for a rental truck.
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