California to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Alabama

ConsCalifornia

• Housing extremely expensive
• High state taxes
• Severe traffic congestion
• Expensive car insurance
• Wildfire smoke seasons
• Frequent drought restrictions
• Expensive electricity rates
• Very high gas prices
• Strict business regulations
• Significant earthquake risk
• Crowded public spaces
• Higher grocery costs

ProsAlabama

• Affordable home prices
• Lower tax burden
• Lighter daily commutes
• Cheaper insurance rates
• Less wildfire smoke
• Abundant yearly rainfall
• Lower utility costs
• Cheaper gasoline prices
• Business-friendly rules
• Lower seismic risk
• Slower daily pace
• Lower food costs

---

Alabama

• Hot, humid summers
• Shorter ocean coastline
• Fewer high-paying roles
• Limited tech hubs
• Limited transit options
• Fewer elite programs
• Fewer major museums
• Fewer pro franchises
• Fewer national parks
• Less produce variety
• Occasional severe storms
• Fewer green initiatives

California

• Mild coastal climate
• Oceanfront beaches
• Diverse job markets
• Major tech hubs
• Extensive public transit
• Top-ranked universities
• World-class museums
• Multiple pro sports
• Many national parks
• Year-round produce variety
• Dry, mild winters
• Robust climate policies

Pros of moving from California to Alabama

• Say goodbye to extremely expensive housing and hello to affordable home prices
• Look forward to moving away from high state taxes and moving to Alabama with a lower tax burden
• Swap the severe traffic congestion of California for lighter daily commutes in Alabama
• Get ready for cheaper insurance rates in Alabama

Cons of moving from California to Alabama

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild coastal climate in California to live with hot, humid summers in Alabama
• You'll lose out on the pro of oceanfront beaches and have to settle for the con of a shorter ocean coastline
• Time to bid farewell to diverse job markets and get used to fewer high-paying roles in Alabama
• Swap major tech hubs for limited tech opportunities

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.