Best California to Alabama Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to Alabama and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,170 mile CA to AL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 328 California to Alabama 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 California compared to Alabama. 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 California to Alabama 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 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | MoveDaddy | 9.38 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | New Latitude Movers | 9.26 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to Alabama
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,170 miles from California to Alabama will cost on average $3,627 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to AL move is roughly $8,755. 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 California and dropoff in Alabama 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 California to Alabama movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,433 | 300 ft³ | 8.11 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,627 | 450 ft³ | 8.06 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,007 | 750 ft³ | 8.01 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,755 | 1100 ft³ | 7.96 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,654 | 1600 ft³ | 7.91 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,146 | 1800 ft³ | 7.86 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alabama to California guide.
Popular California to Alabama Moving Destinations
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Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular California to Alabama Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best CA to AL 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) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
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) |
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 California to Alabama
Moving states is a significant decision, laden with potential benefits and drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from California to Alabama , helping you make an informed choice. By juxtaposing the cons of California with the pros of Alabama and vice versa, these charts offer a balanced view of what you might gain and lose in the move.
California- High living costs
- Traffic congestion
- State income tax
- Wildfire risks
Alabama- Lower living costs
- Less traffic
- No state income tax
- Safer natural environment
Alabama- Less diversity
- Fewer cultural sites
- No coastline
- Fewer tech jobs
California- Diverse communities
- Cultural attractions
- Beaches and coasts
- Tech job opportunities
While the cost of living in California can be daunting, with high state taxes and housing prices that dwarf those in much of Alabama, the move comes with significant financial relief. However, it is essential to consider what might be lost in the process. California's coastline, with iconic beaches and vibrant cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, offers unmatched cultural and recreational opportunities. In contrast, Alabama's natural beauty lies in its lush landscapes and historical sites, like the civil rights landmarks in Birmingham and the serene parks of Huntsville. Alabama may offer a quieter life, with the bonus of stunning sights like Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, but those moving from California should be prepared for a shift in lifestyle and access to amenities.
California vs. Alabama Food Guide
Food dramatically influences our experience of a new place, intertwining with the local culture and lifestyle. In this guide, we compare the local cuisine between California & Alabama , allowing for a tasty preview of what to anticipate upon relocating. This comparison aims to provide insights into each state's unique food scene, assisting you in feeling more at home.
| California | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Fried Green Tomatoes |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip steak | Barbecued ribs |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Pulled Pork Sandwich |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Okra Gumbo |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
California's cuisine is diverse and vast, mirroring its multicultural population. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have a vibrant food scene where you can enjoy everything from the iconic sourdough bread to innovative vegan dishes like avocado toast. Not to mention, food trucks offering a variety of street foods, including the ever-popular fish tacos, are abundant. On the other hand, Alabama offers a rich selection of Southern comfort foods. From the traditional fried green tomatoes to heartwarming barbecued ribs, the state's cuisine reflects its history and culture. Birmingham's food scene, with establishments like Dreamland Bar-B-Que and Highlands Bar and Grill, showcases the best of what Alabama has to offer. Whether you're moving to California or Alabama, exciting and delicious culinary experiences await you.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Alabama Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most crucial aspects of relocating. Understanding how housing options in California and Alabama compare can significantly impact your decision-making process and ensure a smoother transition to your new home environment.
| Comparison | California | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Spanish | Antebellum, Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean view, Solar panels | Large yards, Historic detail |
The contrasts between California and Alabama in real estate are stark, reflecting not just in costs but also in lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. California's housing market is significantly more expensive, with a median home price that is more than quadruple that of Alabama. This price disparity extends to the rental market as well. Architectural styles also tell a tale of two vastly different cultural heritages, from the modern and Spanish influences prevalent in California homes to the antebellum and colonial echoes found in Alabama's residences. However, beyond the numbers, each state offers unique living experiences. California's higher urban lifestyle score reflects its bustling cities and modern conveniences, whereas Alabama, with its lower scores, offers a more laid-back lifestyle with emphasis on spaciousness and historic charm. These differences highlight the importance of aligning your housing choices with your preferences and lifestyle desires when moving.
California vs. Alabama Weather Considerations
When planning your move from California to Alabama, it's crucial to understand how the weather compares between these two states. This knowledge will help you anticipate changes and adapt more seamlessly to your new environment. This comparison will focus on various aspects, such as temperature, humidity, and natural disasters, to provide a broad overview of what to expect.
California
Alabama
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Alabama
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Alabama
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Alabama
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable, often moderate | Good to moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both California and Alabama offer abundant sunshine, the change in humidity and natural disaster risks are noteworthy. Moving from the relatively dry climate of California to the more humid environment of Alabama can significantly impact your daily comfort, wardrobe, and even air conditioning needs. Alabama's higher humidity levels require adjustment, especially in the summer months. Additionally, swapping earthquakes and wildfires for tornadoes and the occasional hurricane marks a distinct shift in emergency preparedness and awareness. Understanding these differences will aid in a smoother transition to your new home state.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Alabama
If you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial landscape in California and Alabama will compare. This comparison aims to provide insights into what you can expect in terms of money and finance, making your transition smoother.
| Comparison | California | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $59,674 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 91.2 |
| State Income Tax | 1%-13.3% | 2%-5% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73% | 0.42% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.56% | 9.22% |
| Top 3 Industries | Information, Manufacturing, Agriculture | Automotive, Aerospace, Healthcare |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
When considering a move from California to Alabama, the most striking difference you'll encounter is the significant drop in the cost of living index, with Alabama offering a more affordable lifestyle. This is reflected in lower average property and sales taxes, though it's coupled with a decrease in average household income. The difference in state income tax structure should also not be overlooked, as California's progressive tax rate can go much higher compared to Alabama's. Furthermore, the shift in leading industries might affect job opportunities depending on your sector, with Alabama's strong automotive and aerospace industries contrasting California's tech and agriculture-driven economy. This financial and economic landscape plays a vital role in understanding the shifts you'll face in terms of affordability, taxation, and employment opportunities.
California vs. Alabama Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from California to Alabama, it's helpful to understand the differences in the community's fabric at a glance. This comparison focuses on the political and religious makeup of California & Alabama, offering a quick snapshot of what to expect. Differences in local politics and religious practices can significantly impact your experience in a new state.
| California | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic-majority | Conservative/Republican-majority |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies on environment, healthcare, and social issues | Traditional values with emphasis on states' rights and conservative policies |
| Religion | Religiously diverse, with a higher percentage of non-religious residents | Evangelical Protestant-majority with deep religious roots |
While exploring the differences between California and Alabama, you'll find that political orientations and religious beliefs are deeply ingrained in their respective cultures. California's progressive stance on various social issues reflects its liberal majority, making it a pioneering state for environmental and healthcare reforms. On the other hand, Alabama's conservative majority values traditional principles, significantly influencing local policies and lifestyle. The religious landscape is also distinctly diverse, with California embracing a spectrum of beliefs, whereas Alabama's communities often center around Evangelical Protestant principles. Understanding these nuances will help you adjust to the lifestyle and community in Alabama.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Alabama
Moving from one state to another can be daunting, especially when considering educational opportunities for your family. To aid in your decision-making process, we’ve created a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Alabama . This guide will help you navigate through your choices more clearly.
| California | Alabama |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley StanfordUniversity of Alabama Auburn University University of Alabama at Birmingham | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes) Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills) Canyon View Elementary (Irvine)Rock Quarry Elementary (Tuscaloosa) Vestavia Hills Elementary West (Vestavia Hills) Meadow View Elementary School (Alabaster) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools William Hopkins Junior High (Fremont) Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School (Palo Alto) Rancho San Joaquin Middle School (Irvine)Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills) Homewood Middle School (Homewood) Berry Middle School (Hoover) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Troy High School (Fullerton)Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery) Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook) Bob Jones High School (Madison) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) The Harker School (San Jose) Phillips Academy (Exeter)The Altamont School (Birmingham) Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) Randolph School (Huntsville) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Harker School (San Jose) Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) Marlborough School (Los Angeles)Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) The Altamont School (Birmingham) Randolph School (Huntsville) | |
Top 3 School Districts Santa Clara County Office of Education San Mateo County Office of Education Los Angeles Unified School DistrictMountain Brook City Schools Madison City School District Hoover City Schools | |
When looking deeper into your options, it's interesting to note the stark contrasts and similarities between school choices in California and Alabama. For instance, California's top universities such as UCLA and UC Berkeley are recognized globally, drawing students from all over the world. Meanwhile, Alabama boasts esteemed institutions like the University of Alabama with strong local support and spirited college communities. For families considering private education, The Harker School in California offers rigorous academic programs across K-12 levels. In contrast, The Altamont School in Alabama provides a highly customized education in a close-knit community, focusing on developing well-rounded individuals. Both states offer unique educational environments tailored to diverse needs and aspirations.
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