Michigan to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Alabama

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• High cost of living
• Higher taxes
• Rural areas less accessible
• Limited Southern food

ProsAlabama

• Milder climate
• Lower cost of living
• Lower taxes
• More rural access
• Rich Southern cuisine

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Alabama

• No Great Lakes
• Variable school quality
• Less industry diversity
• Limited museum options
• Fewer craft breweries

Michigan

• Beautiful Great Lakes
• Strong public schools
• Rich automotive history
• Popular Detroit museums
• Abundant craft breweries

Pros of moving from Michigan to Alabama

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from a high cost of living and moving to Alabama with a lower cost of living
• Swap the higher taxes of Michigan for lower taxes in Alabama
• Get ready for more rural access in Alabama

Cons of moving from Michigan to Alabama

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful Great Lakes in Michigan to live with no Great Lakes in Alabama
• You'll lose out on the pro of strong public schools and have to settle for the con of variable school quality
• Time to bid farewell to a rich automotive history and get used to less industry diversity in Alabama
• Swap popular Detroit museums for limited museum options

Michigan vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Michigan for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Alabama. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Pasties and sumptuous Paczki, Alabama residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black-eyed Peas of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and Cops and Doughnuts. 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 Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Alabama

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial architecture typical of Alabama.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and large yards, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like historical significance and outdoor spaces.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than Michigan.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
• Alabama has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Alabama housing costs are 6% less expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Alabama is 1.62% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Alabama. Alabama gets 25% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• Alabama has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, 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 12 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 19 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 23.2 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Alabama

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 11% less than in Michigan
• The COLI in Alabama will be the same as what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in AL is 5.00% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in Alabama is varied compared to moderate in Michigan
• The poverty level is higher in Alabama compared to mixed in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Michigan and concerning in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Alabama

• Michigan tends to lean mixed, leaning Democratic in its political climate
• Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• Alabama's religious environment can be described as heavily Christian, particularly Evangelical
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a mix of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Alabama

How Much Do Michigan to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 938 miles from Michigan 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.