California to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Alabama

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfire risk
• Earthquake zone

ProsAlabama

• Affordable housing
• Less crowded roads
• No wildfire hazards
• Low seismic activity

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Alabama

• No ocean access
• Limited tech opportunities
• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer high-paying jobs

California

• Beautiful coastlines
• Innovative tech culture
• Diverse population
• Plentiful job market

Pros of moving from California to Alabama

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Alabama with less crowded roads
• Swap the wildfire risk of California for no wildfire hazards in Alabama
• Get ready for low seismic activity in Alabama

Cons of moving from California to Alabama

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful coastlines in California to live with no ocean access in Alabama
• You'll lose out on the pro of an innovative tech culture and have to settle for the con of limited tech opportunities
• Time to bid farewell to a diverse population and get used to less cultural diversity in Alabama
• Swap a plentiful job market for fewer high-paying jobs

California vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Alabama

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Colonial architecture typical of Alabama.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and solar panels, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and historic details.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Alabama is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Alabama is less bike-friendly than California.
• Alabama has less of an urban feel than California.
• Alabama housing costs are 71% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to California's $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Alabama is 45.93% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Alabama. Alabama gets 26% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Alabama has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and hurricanes in Alabama.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 5 degrees warmer than California.
• The average winter lows in Alabama are 12 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 36 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Alabama

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 35% less than those in California
• The COLI in Alabama will be 33% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in AL is 5% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Alabama is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is higher in Alabama compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and less in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Alabama

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic-majority in its political climate
• Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican-majority
• Alabama's religious environment can be described as evangelical Protestant-majority with deep religious roots
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as religiously diverse with a higher percentage of non-religious residents

Education Guide When Moving from California to Alabama

How Much Do California to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 2,170 miles from California to Alabama 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.