Best Alabama to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Alabama to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,169 mile AL to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 326 Alabama to California moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Alabama compared to California. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Alabama to California Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | MoveDaddy | 9.38 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | New Latitude Movers | 9.26 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Black Tie Moving | 9.25 | 8.98 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Pink Zebra Moving | 9.17 | 9.28 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Alabama to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,169 miles from Alabama to California will cost on average $3,626 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom AL to CA move is roughly $8,753. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Alabama and dropoff in California as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Alabama to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,432 | 300 ft³ | 8.11 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,626 | 450 ft³ | 8.06 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,005 | 750 ft³ | 8.01 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,753 | 1100 ft³ | 7.96 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,651 | 1600 ft³ | 7.91 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,143 | 1800 ft³ | 7.86 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Alabama guide.
Popular Alabama to California Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best AL to CA Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
MoveDaddy
3114 Bellwood Dr
Birmingham, AL, 35243
About MoveDaddy
Move Daddy offers a wide variety of moving services in Birmingham, including full-service residential and commercial moves, moving labor only, apartment...
Services
- Long Distance moving
- Local moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2521318 / 875746 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 55,000 (2022) |
New Latitude Movers
130 Industrial Dr
Birmingham, AL, 35211
About New Latitude Movers
New Latitude Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally started as an antique moving company,...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Storage Facilities
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2179652 / 765956 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 57 |
| Registered Drivers | 54 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 450,000 (2022) |
Black Tie Moving
4411 Evangel Cir NW Suite A
Huntsville, AL, 35816
About Black Tie Moving
Founded in 2013, Black Tie Moving has grown into a luxury moving franchise that boasts an A+ BBB rating and mentions...
Services
- Local relocation
- Nationwide moving services
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3381623 / 1375777 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 80,000 (2023) |
Pink Zebra Moving
630 Oliver Rd b
Montgomery, AL, 36117
About Pink Zebra Moving
Pink Zebra Moving is a service company that revolutionizes the moving industry. They strive to provide a luxurious, stress-free moving experience,...
Services
- Home Moving Services
- Apartment/Condo/Townhome Moving Services
- Furniture Rearranging Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3976058 / 1487303 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to California
Moving from one state to another is a significant life change that warrants a thorough consideration of both the benefits and drawbacks. This comparison offers an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Alabama to California . Through insightfully contrasted pros and cons, you'll be better equipped to weigh your options and make a well-informed decision about your move.
Alabama- Limited job diversity
- Higher humidity
- Fewer cultural events
- Less environmental focus
California- Broad job markets
- Milder climate
- Vibrant cultural scenes
- Strong environmental initiatives
California- Higher living expenses
- Crowded cities
- Can feel impersonal
- Fast-paced lifestyle
Alabama- Lower cost of living
- Quaint small towns
- Strong community bonds
- Southern hospitality
Choosing between Alabama and California involves considering various factors that affect your lifestyle. In California, you can explore diverse job opportunities, especially in tech, entertainment, and green energies, making cities like Silicon Valley and Los Angeles magnets for aspiring professionals. The state's commitment to the environment is evident in its policies and in places like Yosemite National Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. However, this move comes with its set of challenges, including adjusting to higher living costs, particularly in housing markets in San Francisco and Los Angeles. On the flip side, Alabama offers a slower-paced life with a noticeably lower cost of living, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle on a modest income. Community events and Southern hospitality in cities like Birmingham and Montgomery foster a close-knit community environment. Yet, it's important to weigh these pros and cons carefully, understanding that moving to California could mean embracing a new lifestyle amidst its renowned beaches, world-class restaurants like Nopa in San Francisco, and iconic sights, like the Golden Gate Bridge.
Alabama vs. California Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Alabama & California, exploring how food reflects the local culture and living experience. Understanding the culinary scene of where you're moving can help you feel more at home.
| Alabama | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Alabama BBQ | California Roll |
| Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork | Tri-tip steak |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Green Tomatoes | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Okra Gumbo | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Alabama and California offer unique culinary experiences reflective of their diverse cultures. Alabama’s BBQ and fried green tomatoes have deep roots in the Southern tradition, frequently enjoyed in settings like Saw's Soul Kitchen in Avondale or Big Mike's Steakhouse in Thomasville. California’s cuisine, on the other hand, emphasizes fresh, local ingredients with a strong inclination towards health-conscious options, epitomized by the ubiquitous avocado toast and the innovation of the California Roll. This focus on health is also seen in its booming fitness scene and the wide availability of vegan options, making cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco havens for foodies seeking diversity and innovation in their meals.
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Alabama vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal aspect of relocating. Knowing how Alabama and California's housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle compare is crucial. This overview provides insights into what to expect when moving from one state to the other.
| Comparison | Alabama | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum, Craftsman | Spanish, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, garages | Sustainability, smart homes |
When deciding between Alabama and California, consider both states offer unique living experiences influenced by their distinct housing markets and lifestyles. The dramatic difference in median home prices and rent reflects the higher cost of living in California. While Alabama’s architecture features historical and craftsman styles, California’s housing trends towards modern and Spanish influences, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, the urban lifestyle score, indicating the availability of amenities, leisure activities, and general ease of living without a vehicle, is notably higher in California, catering to a more active lifestyle with greater walkability and bikeability. This suggests a shift towards more sustainable living practices and convenience in the Golden State.
Alabama vs. California Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Alabama to California, it's important to understand how the weather in these two states will compare . Weather conditions can significantly affect your lifestyle and choice of activities, making it crucial to know what to expect in your new home . This comparison aims to provide insightful information on the differences you'll encounter.
Alabama
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Alabama
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Alabama
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Alabama
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Alabama | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable, generally moderate | Variable, areas of poor |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Alabama to California means adjusting to a climate that boasts more days of sunshine a year and generally milder winter temperatures, especially appealing to those not fond of the cold. California’s diverse climate offers everything from coastal coolness to desert heat, presenting a wealth of options for your new home’s location based on your weather preference. While Alabama experiences more humidity, California presents challenges with its higher annual UV index, necessitating more precautions against sun exposure. Understanding these regional weather conditions can greatly assist in planning your move and adapting to the lifestyle changes it may bring.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Alabama to California
When moving from Alabama to California, it's crucial to understand financial aspects such as cost of living, state income tax, and average household income. This comparison will provide insight into what you can expect in terms of finances and how your lifestyle might change.
| Comparison | Alabama | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $59,674 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 2-5 | 1-13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.42 | 0.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.22 | 8.56 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Modest | High |
| Poverty | Notable | Considerable |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Severe |
Moving from Alabama to California, you'll notice significant differences in financial aspects of daily living. While the average household income in California is considerably higher, the cost of living index is substantially above the national average, making some essentials and property significantly more expensive. State income tax in California varies widely and can be substantially higher than in Alabama, depending on your income bracket. Additionally, the thriving technology, agriculture, and entertainment industries in California offer unique employment opportunities not as prevalent in Alabama. Understanding these differences will help you make informed decisions as you transition.
Alabama vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Alabama to California brings with it a change of scenery, lifestyle, and perhaps most notably, a shift in the comparison of the politics between Alabama & California . This quick snapshot will also touch on the religious makeup of each state, giving you a better understanding of the communities you're moving from and into.
| Alabama | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Conservative Majority | Liberal Majority |
| Local Politics | Republican strongholds, especially in rural areas | Diverse political landscape with liberal strongholds in urban areas |
| Religion | Highly Religious, Predominantly Christian | Mixed religious landscape, with less emphasis on religious affiliation |
While both states boast vibrant communities, the political landscape and religious culture do differ significantly. Alabama's conservative majority often influences local politics, with a strong presence in rural areas. In contrast, California presents a more liberal majority, especially in its urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco, creating a diverse political culture. The religious makeup also diverges; Alabama is predominantly Christian with a higher emphasis on religious participation, in contrast to California's mixed religious landscape, where there's generally a lesser degree of religious affiliation. This comparison highlights the distinct cultural nuances that can impact your daily life and community interactions after moving.
Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to California
Moving from Alabama to California offers a unique opportunity for educational exploration. This comparison is crafted to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Alabama and California, ensuring a smooth transition and informed decisions for your family's educational journey.
| Alabama | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Alabama Auburn University University of South AlabamaUniversity of California (Berkeley) Stanford University University of California (Los Angeles) | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Greystone Elementary School (Hoover) Rock Quarry Elementary School (Tuscaloosa) Madison Elementary School (Madison)Millikin Basics+ Elementary School (Santa Clara) Reed Elementary School (Tiburon) Hawthorne Elementary School (Beverly Hills) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Berry Middle School (Hoover) Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills) Discovery Middle School (Madison)Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael) Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (Moraga) Hawthorne Elementary School (Beverly Hills) | |
Top 3 High Schools Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery) Bob Jones High School (Madison) Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook)California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Oxford Academy (Cypress) Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) | |
Top 3 private high schools The Altamont School (Birmingham) Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) Randolph School (Huntsville)Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) Phillips Academy (Andover) The Harker School (San Jose) | |
Top 3 Private K-12 Schools The Altamont School (Birmingham) Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) Randolph School (Huntsville)The Harker School (San Jose) Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) Marlborough School (Los Angeles) | |
Top 3 School Districts Mountain Brook City Schools Vestavia Hills City Schools Madison City SchoolsPalo Alto Unified School District San Marino Unified School District Arcadia Unified School District | |
When scrutinizing the educational opportunities from Alabama to California, it's clear how diverse and competitive school options are between these states. For instance, Alabama boasts highly regarded public schools such as the Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School in Montgomery, known for its strong academic programs. On the other side, California's prowess in higher education is highlighted by renowned institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University, offering broad opportunities for post-secondary success. Also noteworthy is the difference in private educational offerings, with California's The Harker School in San Jose and Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles providing exemplary K-12 education that competes on a national level. This variance in educational landscapes underscores the importance of understanding regional educational strengths while considering relocation.
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