AZ to AL Moving Specialists

Arizona to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 1,586 mile interstate move from Arizona to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme heat vs milder climate), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (southwestern vs antebellum and cottage), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue Ribs & Pulled Pork
  • Alabama housing costs are 48% less expensive than they are in Arizona
  • Rent in Alabama is 22.97% more affordable than in Arizona
  • Moving from Arizona to Alabama will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Arizona to Alabama movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Top Arizona to Alabama Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Alabama movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arizona to Alabama

9.76/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
AAA Soto's Moving featured image

AAA Soto's Moving

9.48/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

9.39/10
Exceptional

Arizona to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Alabama

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Extreme heat
  • High cost of living
  • Desert landscape
  • Water scarcity
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Milder climate
  • Affordable housing
  • Lush greenery
  • Plentiful water bodies

Alabama iconAlabama
  • Limited urban options
  • Lower cultural diversity
  • Higher humidity
  • Fewer tech industries
Arizona iconArizona
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse culture
  • Scenic desert vistas
  • Tech job opportunities

Pros of moving from Arizona to Alabama

  • Say goodbye to extreme heat and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a high cost of living and moving to Alabama with affordable housing
  • Swap the desert landscape of Arizona for lush greenery in Alabama
  • Get ready for plentiful water bodies in Alabama

Cons of moving from Arizona to Alabama

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant city life in Arizona to live with limited urban options in Alabama
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle with the con of lower cultural diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to scenic desert vistas and get used to higher humidity in Alabama
  • Swap tech job opportunities for fewer tech industries

Arizona vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArizonaAlabama
Most iconic local food itemChimichangaBarbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemTacosFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosBlack-Eyed Pea Hummus
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • FnB
  • Saw’s BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Arizona to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Alabama. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Alabama residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black-Eyed Pea Hummus of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and FnB. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Saw’s BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Alabama

ComparisonArizonaAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleSouthwesternAntebellum and Cottage
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen floor plans, desert viewsLarge yards, hardwood floors
  • The Southwestern architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Cottage architecture typical of Alabama.
  • Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and desert views, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and hardwood floors.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than Arizona.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
  • Alabama has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
  • Alabama housing costs are 48% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased 45% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
  • Rent in Alabama is 22.97% more affordable than in Arizona.

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

ComparisonArizonaAlabama
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersWildfires, HeatwavesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)106Β°F / 83Β°F91Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)67Β°F / 46Β°F57Β°F / 39Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)13"58"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0"2"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Alabama. Alabama gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
  • Alabama has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 15 degrees colder than in Arizona.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 45 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Alabama

ComparisonArizonaAlabama
Avg. Household Income$74,568$59,674
Cost of Living Index101.291.2
State Income Tax2.59 – 4.50%2 – 5%
Avg. Property Tax0.62%0.39%
Avg. Sales Tax8.40%9.24%
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Tourism, TechnologyAutomotive, Aerospace, Chemicals
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyModerateConsiderable
HomelessnessNoticeableLess Prevalent
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 20% less than those in Arizona
  • The COLI in Alabama will be 10% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
  • The state income tax in AL is 2 – 5% compared to 2.59 – 4.50% in AZ
  • The affluence in Alabama is modest compared to moderate affluence in Arizona
  • The poverty level is considerable in Alabama compared to moderate poverty in Arizona
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Arizona and less prevalent in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Alabama

ComparisonArizonaAlabama
Political Make-upModerately Conservative/CompetitiveStrongly Conservative
Local PoliticsMix of Democratic and Republican LeadershipPrimarily Republican Leadership
ReligionChristianity, Non-religiousPrimarily Christianity
  • Arizona tends to lean moderately Conservative/Competitive in its political climate
  • Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Conservative
  • Alabama's religious environment can be described as primarily Christianity
  • Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity and Non-religious

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Alabama

ComparisonArizonaAlabama
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of South Alabama
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBasis Scottsdale
Basis Tucson North
Basis Oro Valley
Mountain Brook Elementary
Vestavia Hills Elementary West
Madison Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBasis Chandler
Basis Scottsdale
Basis Phoenix
Mountain Brook Junior High
Liberty Park Middle School
Homewood Middle School
Top 3 High SchoolsBasis Scottsdale
Basis Tucson North
Basis Oro Valley
Mountain Brook High School
Vestavia Hills High School
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
Top 3 private high schoolsBrophy College Preparatory
Phoenix Country Day School
The Gregory School
The Altamont School
Indian Springs School
Saint James School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsVeritas Preparatory Academy
Chandler Preparatory Academy
Glendale Preparatory Academy
The Altamont School
Indian Springs School
Randolph School
Top 3 School DistrictsScottsdale Unified School District
Chandler Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools
Mountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Madison City Schools

How Much Do Arizona to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 1,586 miles from Arizona to Alabama will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-13 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mr.Buff Personal Mover
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,102300 ft3$7.01
1 Bedroom$3,130450 ft3$6.96
2 Bedrooms$5,179750 ft3$6.91
3 Bedrooms$7,5411100 ft3$6.86
4 Bedrooms$10,8891600 ft3$6.81
5+ Bedrooms$12,1601800 ft3$6.76

Chandler to Alabama

    Scottsdale to Alabama

      Gilbert to Alabama

        Glendale to Alabama

          Tempe to Alabama

            Peoria to Alabama