Movers

DC to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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Planning a 837 mile interstate move from DC to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Half-Smoke vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (federal and victorian vs antebellum and craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-Smoke and Mumbo Sauce on Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue Ribs & Smoked Chicken with White Sauce
  • Alabama housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in Alabama is 38.57% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to Alabama will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended DC to Alabama movers is Bookstore Movers

DC to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Alabama

ConsDC iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Cold winters
  • Limited parking
  • High taxes
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • Mild winters
  • Ample parking space
  • Lower taxes

Alabama iconAlabama
  • Fewer cultural offerings
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Fewer universities
DC iconDC
  • Cultural diversity
  • Public transportation
  • Numerous attractions
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Educational institutions

Pros of moving from DC to Alabama

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Alabama with less congestion
  • Swap the cold winters of DC for the mild winters in Alabama
  • Get ready for ample parking space in Alabama

Cons of moving from DC to Alabama

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the cultural diversity in DC to live with fewer cultural offerings in Alabama
  • You'll lose out on the pro of public transportation and have to settle for the con of limited public transit
  • Time to bid farewell to numerous attractions and get used to fewer entertainment options in Alabama
  • Swap vibrant nightlife for quieter nightlife

DC vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCAlabama
Most iconic local food itemHalf-SmokeBarbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dishMumbo Sauce on ChickenSmoked Chicken with White Sauce
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks VarietiesFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodVegan Soul FoodCollard Greens with Smoky Vegan Sausage
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Le Diplomate
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Saw’s BBQ
  • Hot and Hot Fish Club
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 DC to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Alabama. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce on Chicken and sumptuous Food Truck Varieties, Alabama residents know they have tasty Smoked Chicken with White Sauce and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Soul Food they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Collard Greens with Smoky Vegan Sausage of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose's Luxury, and Le Diplomate. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Highlands Bar and Grill, Saw’s BBQ, and Hot and Hot Fish Club.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Alabama

ComparisonDCAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleFederal and VictorianAntebellum and Craftsman
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 listingProximity to Metro, historic charmLarge yards, community feel
  • The Federal and Victorian architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Craftsman architecture typical of Alabama.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and historic charm, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and a community feel.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • Alabama has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • Alabama housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in Alabama is 38.57% more affordable than in DC.

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

ComparisonDCAlabama
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 DisastersOccasional Nor'eastersHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β° / 71Β°91Β° / 72Β°
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β° / 29Β°57Β° / 36Β°
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4056
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.41.6
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from DC to Alabama. Alabama gets 5% more sunny days than DC.
  • Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible occasional nor'easters in DC, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
  • The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 3 degrees warmer than in DC.
  • The average winter lows in Alabama are 7 degrees warmer than those in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama, as Alabama receives 16 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Alabama

ComparisonDCAlabama
Avg. Household Income$101,027$59,674
Cost of Living Index140.191.2
State Income Tax8.5%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%0.42%
Avg. Sales Tax6%9.22%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Professional Services, EducationManufacturing, Agriculture, Retail
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessNoticeableLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 41% less than in DC
  • The COLI in Alabama will be 35% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • The state income tax in AL is 5% compared to 8.5% in DC
  • The affluence in Alabama is moderate compared to high in DC
  • The poverty level is high in Alabama compared to low in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in DC and low in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Alabama

ComparisonDCAlabama
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticPrimarily Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal policies and leadersConservative policies and leaders
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHighly religious, predominantly Christian
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
  • Alabama's religious environment can be described as highly religious and predominantly Christian
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Alabama

ComparisonDCAlabama
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Georgetown University
George Washington University
University of Maryland
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJanney Elementary
Hyde-Addison Elementary
Mann Elementary
Mountain Brook Elementary
Vestavia Hills Elementary West
Cherokee Bend Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
McKinley Middle School
Mountain Brook Junior High
Homewood Middle School
Liberty Park Middle School
Top 3 High School SchoolsWilson High School
School Without Walls
Banneker High School
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
Mountain Brook High School
Vestavia Hills High School
Top 3 private high schoolsSidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
St. Albans School
The Altamont School
Indian Springs School
Randolph School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaret School
Sidwell Friends School
National Cathedral School
Randolph School
The Altamont School
Indian Springs School
Top 3 School DistrictsDistrict of Columbia Public SchoolsMountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Madison City Schools

How Much Do DC to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 837 miles from DC to Alabama 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-16 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mic's Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,677300 ft3$5.59
1 Bedroom$2,493450 ft3$5.54
2 Bedrooms$4,117750 ft3$5.49
3 Bedrooms$5,9841100 ft3$5.44
4 Bedrooms$8,6241600 ft3$5.39
5+ Bedrooms$9,6121800 ft3$5.34

Top DC to Alabama Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for DC to Alabama

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ap Pro Moving Llc featured image

Ap Pro Moving Llc

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details