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Massachusetts to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 1,265 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs antebellum, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue Ribs & Pulled Pork
  • Alabama housing costs are 63% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts
  • Rent in Alabama is 41.94% more affordable than in Massachusetts
  • Moving from Massachusetts to Alabama will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Massachusetts to Alabama movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Massachusetts to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Alabama

ConsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Dense traffic
  • Expensive dining
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Mild winters
  • Affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Cheaper dining

Alabama iconAlabama
  • Limited schools
  • Less cultural variety
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less historic sites
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Top-notch education
  • Diverse culture
  • Robust job market
  • Historical landmarks

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Alabama

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Alabama with affordable housing
  • Swap the dense traffic of Massachusetts for less congestion in Alabama
  • Get ready for cheaper dining in Alabama

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Alabama

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from top-notch education in Massachusetts to live with limited schools in Alabama
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural variety
  • Time to bid farewell to a robust job market and get used to fewer job opportunities in Alabama
  • Swap historical landmarks for less historic sites

Massachusetts vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMassachusettsAlabama
Most iconic local food itemClam ChowderBarbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dishLobster RollPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemFried ClamsFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladBlack-Eyed Pea Hummus
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Union Oyster House
  • 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 Massachusetts to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Alabama. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Fried Clams, Alabama residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad 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 Massachusetts eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Neptune Oyster, and Union Oyster House. 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 Massachusetts. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Alabama, compared to what you are used to in Massachusetts. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Alabama.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Alabama

ComparisonMassachusettsAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodAntebellum, 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 listingAccess to public transport, Historic charmLarge yards, Proximity to natural beauty
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Craftsman architecture typical of Alabama.
  • Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference access to public transport and historic charm, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to natural beauty.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than Massachusetts.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
  • Alabama has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
  • Alabama housing costs are 63% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
  • Rent in Alabama is 41.94% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

ComparisonMassachusettsAlabama
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 DisastersNor'easters, blizzardsHurricanes, tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 60Β°F91Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 22Β°F57Β°F / 36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47.6858
Annual Snowfall (Inches)511
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to Alabama. Alabama gets 5% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
  • Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
  • Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 11 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
  • The average winter lows are 14 degrees warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 10.3 more inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Alabama

ComparisonMassachusettsAlabama
Avg. Household Income$94,488$59,674
Cost of Living Index121.5591.2
State Income Tax5.0%2.0%-5.0%
Avg. Property Tax1.23%0.42%
Avg. Sales Tax6.25%9.22%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, TechnologyManufacturing, Agriculture, Education
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 37% less than those in Massachusetts
  • The COLI in Alabama will be 25% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
  • The state income tax in AL is 2.0% to 5.0% compared to 5.0% in MA
  • The affluence in Alabama is moderate compared to high in Massachusetts
  • The poverty level is moderate in Alabama compared to low in Massachusetts
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Massachusetts and low in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Alabama

ComparisonMassachusettsAlabama
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesTraditional values
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedStrongly religious, predominantly Christian
  • Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
  • Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
  • Alabama's religious environment can be described as strongly religious and predominantly Christian
  • Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Alabama

ComparisonMassachusettsAlabama
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston College
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of South Alabama
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJoseph E. Fiske Elementary
Wellesley; Vinson-Owen Elementary
Winchester; Chickering School
Dover
Rock Quarry Elementary
Tuscaloosa; Vestavia Hills Elementary West
Vestavia Hills; Meadow View Elementary
Alabaster
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWilliam Diamond Middle School
Lexington; Jonas Clarke Middle School
Lexington; Boston Latin School
Boston
Mountain Brook Junior High
Mountain Brook; Liberty Park Middle School
Vestavia Hills; Homewood Middle School
Homewood
Top 3 High SchoolsMassachusetts Academy for Math and Science
Worcester; Boston Latin School
Boston; Lexington High School
Lexington
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
Montgomery; Mountain Brook High School
Mountain Brook; Vestavia Hills High School
Vestavia Hills
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy Andover
Andover; Milton Academy
Milton; Noble and Greenough School
Dedham
The Altamont School
Birmingham; Indian Springs School
Indian Springs; Randolph School
Huntsville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBuckingham Browne & Nichols School
Cambridge; The Roxbury Latin School
West Roxbury; Belmont Hill School
Belmont
The Montgomery Academy
Montgomery; The Altamont School
Birmingham; Saint James School
Montgomery
Top 3 School DistrictsWellesley Public Schools
Lexington Public Schools
Newton Public Schools
Mountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Homewood City Schools

How Much Do Massachusetts to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 1,265 miles from Massachusetts to Alabama will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,920300 ft3$6.40
1 Bedroom$2,857450 ft3$6.35
2 Bedrooms$4,724750 ft3$6.30
3 Bedrooms$6,8741100 ft3$6.25
4 Bedrooms$9,9181600 ft3$6.20
5+ Bedrooms$11,0681800 ft3$6.15

Top Massachusetts to Alabama Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Alabama

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Varsity Movers LLC featured image

Varsity Movers LLC

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details

Worcester to Alabama

    Springfield to Alabama