Movers

Missouri to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 619 mile interstate move from Missouri to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in Missouri vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like cold winters vs milder climate), food & health (like St. Louis BBQ vs Alabama BBQ), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs colonial, cottage), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Missouri), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to St. Louis BBQ and Smoked ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Alabama BBQ & Pulled pork
  • Alabama housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Missouri
  • Rent in Alabama is 10.44% more expensive than in Missouri
  • Moving from Missouri to Alabama will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Missouri to Alabama movers is Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Missouri to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Missouri to Alabama

ConsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Cold winters
  • Larger population
  • Higher property taxes
  • Limited coastal access
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Milder climate
  • Smaller cities
  • Lower taxes
  • Close to Gulf Coast

Alabama iconAlabama
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Fewer hiking trails
  • Fewer large events
  • Higher crime rates
Missouri iconMissouri
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Diverse landscapes
  • Rich cultural events
  • Low crime rates

Pros of moving from Missouri to Alabama

  • Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a larger population and moving to Alabama with smaller cities
  • Swap the higher property taxes of Missouri for lower taxes in Alabama
  • Get ready for close proximity to the Gulf Coast in Alabama

Cons of moving from Missouri to Alabama

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from four distinct seasons in Missouri to live with hot, humid summers in Alabama
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse landscapes and have to settle for the con of fewer hiking trails
  • Time to bid farewell to rich cultural events and get used to fewer large events in Alabama
  • Swap low crime rates for higher crime rates

Missouri vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMissouriAlabama
Most iconic local food itemSt. Louis BBQAlabama BBQ
Most popular meat dishSmoked ribsPulled pork
Most popular street food itemToasted RavioliShrimp Po' Boy
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit BBQOkra Gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pappy's Smokehouse
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Blues City Deli
  • 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 Missouri to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic St. Louis BBQ of Missouri for the equally delicious Alabama BBQ of Alabama. And while the locals in Missouri rave about their flavorful smoked ribs and sumptuous toasted ravioli, Alabama residents know they have tasty pulled pork and shrimp Po' Boy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the jackfruit BBQ 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 Missouri eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, and Blues City Deli. 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 Missouri. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Alabama compared to what you are used to in Missouri. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Alabama.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Missouri and Alabama

ComparisonMissouriAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, RanchColonial, Cottage
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 listingSpacious yards, GaragesPorches, Hardwood floors
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Missouri is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cottage architecture typical of Alabama.
  • Compared to Missouri's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like porches and hardwood floors.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than Missouri.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than Missouri.
  • Alabama has less of an urban feel than Missouri.
  • Alabama housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Missouri, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Missouri’s $243,216.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 49% increase in Missouri.
  • Rent in Alabama is 10.44% more expensive than in Missouri.

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

ComparisonMissouriAlabama
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 DisastersTornados, StormsHurricanes, Tornados
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6791/72
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)39/2157/36
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4256
Annual Snowfall (Inches)182
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Missouri to Alabama. Alabama gets 4% more sunshine days than Missouri.
  • Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Missouri.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and storms in Missouri, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
  • The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 2 degrees warmer than in Missouri.
  • The average winter lows are 15 degrees warmer than they are in Missouri.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Missouri.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Missouri and Alabama

ComparisonMissouriAlabama
Avg. Household Income$64,811$59,674
Cost of Living Index91.891.2
State Income TaxUp to 5.3%Up to 5%
Avg. Property Tax0.93%0.42%
Avg. Sales Tax8.19%9.22%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Aerospace, ManufacturingMetals, Automotive, Technology
AffluenceModerateLow to moderate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 8% less than those in Missouri
  • The COLI in Alabama will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Missouri
  • The state income tax in Alabama is up to 5% compared to up to 5.3% in Missouri
  • The affluence in Alabama is low to moderate compared to moderate in Missouri
  • The poverty level is high in Alabama compared to moderate in Missouri
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Missouri and moderate in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in Missouri vs. Alabama

ComparisonMissouriAlabama
Political Make-upSwing state with a Republican lean in recent electionsStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsVaries significantly from urban to rural areasConsistently conservative across the state
ReligionChristianity dominates, with a significant Evangelical presenceHeavily Evangelical Christian with one of the highest attendance rates in the country
  • Missouri tends to lean swing state with a Republican lean in its political climate
  • Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • Alabama's religious environment can be described as heavily Evangelical Christian with one of the highest attendance rates in the country
  • Missouri's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as dominated by Christianity, with a significant Evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from Missouri to Alabama

ComparisonMissouriAlabama
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Missouri
Missouri State University
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMason Ridge Elementary
St. Louis; Wilson Elementary
Clayton; Vandover Early Childhood
High Ridge
Rock Quarry Elementary
Tuscaloosa; Deer Valley Elementary
Hoover; Mt Laurel Elementary
Birmingham
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLadue Middle
St. Louis; Clayton Middle
Clayton; John Burroughs School
St. Louis
Liberty Park Middle
Vestavia Hills; Berry Middle
Hoover; Mountain Brook Junior High
Mountain Brook
Top 3 High School SchoolsClayton High
Clayton; Ladue Horton Watkins High
St. Louis; John Burroughs School
St. Louis
Mountain Brook High
Mountain Brook; Homewood High
Homewood; Vestavia Hills High
Vestavia Hills
Top 3 private high schoolsJohn Burroughs School
St. Louis; Thomas Jefferson School
St. Louis; St. Louis University High School
St. Louis
The Altamont School
Birmingham; Indian Springs School
Indian Springs; Randolph School
Huntsville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPembroke Hill School
Kansas City; Thomas Jefferson School
St. Louis; The Barstow School
Kansas City
Randolph School
Huntsville; The Altamont School
Birmingham; Indian Springs School
Indian Springs
Top 3 School DistrictsClayton School District
Kirkwood School District
Ladue School District
Mountain Brook City Schools
Hoover City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools

How Much Do Missouri to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 619 miles from Missouri to Alabama will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 6-11 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,553300 ft3$5.18
1 Bedroom$2,308450 ft3$5.13
2 Bedrooms$3,809750 ft3$5.08
3 Bedrooms$5,5311100 ft3$5.03
4 Bedrooms$7,9651600 ft3$4.98
5+ Bedrooms$8,8701800 ft3$4.93

Top Missouri to Alabama Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Best moving company overall for Missouri to Alabama

9.62/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Tiger Moving LLC featured image

Tiger Moving LLC

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details