Alabama to DC Moving Guide
Updated June 16, 2025

Planning a 837 mile interstate move from Alabama to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs mild climate), food & health (like Fried Green Tomatoes vs Half-Smoke), real estate & housing (antebellum, craftsman vs federal, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Fried Green Tomatoes and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Half-Smoke & Mumbo Sauce Wings
- DC housing costs are 174% more expensive than they are in Alabama
- Rent in DC is 62.78% more expensive than in Alabama
- Moving from Alabama to DC will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Alabama to DC movers is Bookstore Movers
Alabama to DC Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to DC
- High humidity
- Limited public transit
- Fewer cultural events
- Mild climate
- Extensive metro system
- Vibrant arts scene
- Fast-paced environment
- Higher living expenses
- Transient population
- Slower pace of life
- Lower cost of living
- Strong community feel
Pros of moving from Alabama to DC
- Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a mild climate
- Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to DC with an extensive metro system
- Swap the fewer cultural events of Alabama for a vibrant arts scene in DC
Cons of moving from Alabama to DC
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the slower pace of life in Alabama to live in a fast-paced environment in DC
- You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle for the con of higher living expenses
- Time to bid farewell to a strong community feel and get used to a transient population in DC
Alabama vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Alabama | DC |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fried Green Tomatoes | Half-Smoke |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Ribs | Mumbo Sauce Wings |
Most popular street food item | Pulled Pork Sandwich | Food Truck Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Okra Gumbo | Vegetable Quinoa Bowl |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Alabama to DC, you will be trading the iconic Fried Green Tomatoes of Alabama for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Pulled Pork Sandwich, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Food Truck 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 Vegetable Quinoa Bowl of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Highlands Bar and Grill, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, and Franklin's Homewood Gourmet. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rose's Luxury.
When comparing lifestyles, DC shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in DC compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in DC.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and DC
Comparison | Alabama | DC |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum, Craftsman | Federal, Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, garages | Proximity to Metro, rooftop decks |
- The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Federal and Victorian architecture typical of DC.
- Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and garages, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and rooftop decks.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Alabama.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
- DC has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
- DC housing costs are 174% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Alabamaβs $226,045.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
- Rent in DC is 62.78% more expensive than in Alabama.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and DC
Comparison | Alabama | DC |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Snowstorms, Hurricanes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 71Β°F | 87Β°F / 71Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 57Β°F / 36Β°F | 44Β°F / 29Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 56" | 40" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1" | 15" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to DC. DC gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
- DC has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and hurricanes in DC.
- The average summer high temperature in DC is 3 degrees colder than in Alabama.
- The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in DC. DC receives 16 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and DC
Comparison | Alabama | DC |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,674 | $101,027 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 140.1 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 6.5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.41% | 0.56% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.22% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Automotive | Government, Education, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Notable | Less noticeable |
Homelessness | Visibly present | More significant |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 69% more than those in Alabama
- The COLI in DC will be 54% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
- The state income tax in DC is 6.5% compared to 5% in AL
- The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
- The poverty level is less noticeable in DC compared to notable poverty in Alabama
- In terms of homelessness, it is visibly present in Alabama and more significant in DC
Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. DC
Comparison | Alabama | DC |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Republican-leaning | Democratic-leaning |
Local Politics | Conservative policies | Progressive policies |
Religion | Primarily Christian | Diverse, with a lower percentage of Christians |
- Alabama tends to lean Republican-leaning in its political climate
- D.C., on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning
- D.C.'s religious environment can be described as diverse, with a lower percentage of Christians
- Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian
Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to DC
Comparison | Alabama | DC |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Alabama Auburn University University of South Alabama | Georgetown University George Washington University American University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Mountain Brook Elementary (Mountain Brook) Vestavia Hills Elementary West (Vestavia Hills) Rock Quarry Elementary (Tuscaloosa) | Lafayette Elementary School (Chevy Chase) Mann Elementary School (Wesley Heights) Janney Elementary School (Tenleytown) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Mountain Brook Junior High (Mountain Brook) Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills) Pizitz Middle School (Vestavia Hills) | Deal Middle School (Forest Hills) Hardy Middle School (Georgetown) Stuart-Hobson Middle School (Capitol Hill) |
Top 3 High Schools | Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery) Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook) Vestavia Hills High School (Vestavia Hills) | School Without Walls High School (Foggy Bottom) Banneker High School (Shaw) Wilson High School (Tenleytown) |
Top 3 private high schools | The Altamont School (Birmingham) Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) Randolph School (Huntsville) | Sidwell Friends School (Washington) Georgetown Day School (Washington) The Field School (Washington) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Montgomery Academy (Montgomery) Tuscaloosa Academy (Tuscaloosa) Lee-Scott Academy (Auburn) | Sidwell Friends School (Washington) National Cathedral School (Washington) Maret School (Washington) |
Top 3 School Districts | Mountain Brook City Schools Vestavia Hills City Schools Madison City Schools | District of Columbia Public Schools KIPP DC Friendship Public Charter School |
How Much Do Alabama to DC Movers Cost?
Moving 837 miles from Alabama to DC will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-16 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mic's Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,677 | 300 ft3 | $5.59 |
1 Bedroom | $2,493 | 450 ft3 | $5.54 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,117 | 750 ft3 | $5.49 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,984 | 1100 ft3 | $5.44 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,624 | 1600 ft3 | $5.39 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,612 | 1800 ft3 | $5.34 |
Top Alabama to DC Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to DC movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.