Alabama to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Michigan

ConsAlabama

• High humidity
• Limited snowfall
• Hurricane risk
• Fewer cultural hotspots
• Rural isolation

ProsMichigan

• Cooler summers
• Winter activities
• Less stormy weather
• Vibrant arts scene
• Urban centers

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Michigan

• Cold, snowy winters
• Higher living costs
• Less laid-back
• Seasonal sports
• Fewer historic sites

Alabama

• Mild winters
• Low cost of living
• Southern hospitality
• Year-round golf
• Rich history

Pros of moving from Alabama to Michigan

• Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to cooler summers
• Look forward to moving away from limited snowfall and moving to Michigan with winter activities
• Swap the hurricane risk of Alabama for less stormy weather in Michigan
• Get ready for a vibrant arts scene in Michigan

Cons of moving from Alabama to Michigan

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in Alabama to live with cold, snowy winters in Michigan
• You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher living costs
• Time to bid farewell to southern hospitality and get used to a less laid-back atmosphere in Michigan
• Swap year-round golf for seasonal sports

Alabama vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alabama to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Alabama BBQ of Alabama for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Conecuh Sausage, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Coney Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pasties of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Saw's BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slingshot's Cafe, and American Coney Island.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Michigan

• The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
• Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large lots and privacy, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside locations and modern kitchens.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Michigan is more walkable than Alabama.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Michigan is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
• Michigan has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
• Michigan housing costs are 6% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
• Rent in Michigan is 1.60% more affordable than in Alabama.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to Michigan. Michigan gets 20% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
• Michigan has higher 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 tornadoes in Michigan.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 8 degrees colder than in Alabama.
• The average winter lows are 20 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 26 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Michigan

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 12% more than those in Alabama
• The COLI in Michigan will be the same as what you are used to living in Alabama
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 5% in AL
• The affluence in Michigan is mixed compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
• The poverty level is noticeable in Michigan compared to notable poverty in Alabama
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Alabama and variable in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Michigan

• Alabama tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as moderately liberal
• Michigan's religious environment can be described as mixed, with a notable Catholic presence
• Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majorly evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Michigan

How Much Do Alabama to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 939 miles from Alabama to Michigan 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.