How Much Does It Cost to Move in Alabama?
Alabama is one of the most affordable states to move in. Local moves average $780 for a 2-bedroom home. Huntsville is the fastest-growing city and sees slightly higher demand. Birmingham and Montgomery remain well below national averages.
Average Moving Costs in Alabama — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $780 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $3,500 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $38/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $90/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Affects Moving Costs in Alabama
Distance: Local moves are priced hourly ($38/mover/hr). Long-distance moves switch to a weight-plus-mileage model, which is why the jump from local to long-distance is so large.
Timing: Peak season (May–September) adds 15–30% to any quote. The last 3 days of a month are the most expensive — most leases expire on the 1st, so demand spikes.
Home size: Every additional bedroom adds roughly $100–200 to a local move (more movers or more hours). Long-distance moves price by weight — a 3-bedroom house weighs 3× a studio.
Access: Stairs, long carry distances, and tight elevator access trigger surcharges. Expect $50–100 per flight of stairs. Parking permits in dense Alabama cities can add $50–150.
Alabama Moving Cost by City
Metro areas with high demand and traffic typically run 15–25% above the state averages listed above.
- Birmingham
- Huntsville
- Montgomery
- Mobile
- Tuscaloosa
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How much does it cost to move locally in Alabama?
Local moves in Alabama average $780 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $38/hr per mover. Most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move to or from Alabama cost?
Long-distance moves to or from Alabama average $3,500 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals typically run $1,200–2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
What is the cheapest way to move in Alabama?
Renting a moving truck yourself is the cheapest option — expect $90/day plus fuel. Booking movers for a weekday in the off-season (October–April) can save 20–30% vs. weekend peak rates.
When is the cheapest time to move in Alabama?
October through April is the cheapest time to move in Alabama. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last three days of any month, and weekends — all carry 15–30% premiums.
Which cities in Alabama are most expensive for moving?
Birmingham and Huntsville typically run 15–25% above the state average due to higher demand, traffic congestion, and longer drive times between pickup and delivery.
Is Alabama gaining or losing residents?
Alabama is currently a net migration destination — more people are moving in than out, which keeps mover demand and prices elevated.