Alabama to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to California

ConsAlabama

• Humidity
• Limited job options
• Limited nightlife
• Weather extremes
• Fewer cultural events

ProsCalifornia

• Mild climate
• Robust job market
• Vibrant nightlife
• Consistent weather
• Diverse cultural events

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California

• High cost of living
• Urban sprawl
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Expensive dining
• Risk of earthquakes

Alabama

• Low cost of living
• Close community feel
• Relaxed pace of life
• Southern cuisine
• Rich history

Pros of moving from Alabama to California

• Say goodbye to humidity and hello to mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited job options and moving to California with a robust job market
• Swap the limited nightlife of Alabama for vibrant nightlife in California
• Get ready for consistent weather in California

Cons of moving from Alabama to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Alabama to live with the high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of a close community feel and have to settle with the con of urban sprawl
• Time to bid farewell to the relaxed pace of life and get used to the fast-paced lifestyle in California
• Swap southern cuisine for expensive dining

Alabama vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alabama to California, you will be trading the iconic Alabama BBQ of Alabama for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Fried Green Tomatoes, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip steak and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Saw's Soul Kitchen, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Big Mike's Steakhouse. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, Spago, and In-N-Out Burger.

When comparing lifestyles, California shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in California compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in California.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and California

• The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, California real estate listings often highlight features like sustainability and smart homes.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; California is more walkable than Alabama.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
• California has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
• California housing costs are 247% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
• Rent in California is 84.95% more expensive than in Alabama.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and California

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alabama to California. California gets 33% more sunshine days than Alabama.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alabama.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 5 degrees colder than in Alabama.
• The average winter lows are 12 degrees warmer than they are in Alabama.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 36 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 53% more than in Alabama
• The COLI in California will be 50% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 5% in AL
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
• The poverty level is significant in California compared to moderate poverty in Alabama
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alabama and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. California

• Alabama tends to lean conservative majority in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as liberal majority
• California's religious environment can be described as a mixed religious landscape with less emphasis on religious affiliation
• Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to California

How Much Do Alabama to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,169 miles from Alabama to California will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.