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New Jersey to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a 1,031 mile interstate move from New Jersey to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Jersey vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Taylor Ham/Pork Roll vs Barbecue), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Taylor Ham/Pork Roll and Italian Hot Dog, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue & Pulled Pork
  • Alabama housing costs are 56% less expensive than they are in New Jersey
  • Rent in Alabama is 39.87% more affordable than in New Jersey
  • Moving from New Jersey to Alabama will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended New Jersey to Alabama movers is Big G Movers, INC

New Jersey to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Alabama

ConsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Cold winters
  • High taxes
  • Limited Southern cuisine
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Affordable housing
  • Less traffic
  • Warmer climate
  • Lower taxes
  • Rich Southern food culture

Alabama iconAlabama
  • Limited public transport
  • Lesser cultural diversity
  • No Atlantic coast
  • Limited nightlife
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Access to NYC
  • Diverse culture
  • Beaches nearby
  • Lively nightlife

Pros of moving from New Jersey to Alabama

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Alabama with less traffic
  • Swap the cold winters of New Jersey for a warmer climate in Alabama
  • Get ready for lower taxes in Alabama

Cons of moving from New Jersey to Alabama

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from access to NYC in New Jersey to live with limited public transport in Alabama
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of lesser cultural diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to the beaches nearby and get used to no Atlantic coast in Alabama
  • Swap lively nightlife for limited nightlife

New Jersey vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew JerseyAlabama
Most iconic local food itemTaylor Ham/Pork RollBarbecue
Most popular meat dishItalian Hot DogPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemSalt Water TaffyFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodVegan PizzaBlack-Eyed Pea Hummus
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Carlo's Bakery
  • Don's Deli
  • White House Sub Shop
  • Dreamland Bar-B-Que
  • SAW's BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
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 New Jersey to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Taylor Ham/Pork Roll of New Jersey for the equally delicious Barbecue of Alabama. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dog and sumptuous Salt Water Taffy, Alabama residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pizza 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 New Jersey eateries like Carlo's Bakery, Don's Deli, and White House Sub Shop. 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, SAW's BBQ, and Highlands Bar and Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Alabama

ComparisonNew JerseyAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianCraftsman, Ranch
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 NYC, Updated kitchensLarge lots, Outdoor living spaces
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Alabama.
  • Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and updated kitchens, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and outdoor living spaces.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Alabama is less walkable than New Jersey.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Alabama is less bike-friendly than New Jersey.
  • Alabama has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
  • Alabama housing costs are 56% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
  • Rent in Alabama is 39.87% more affordable than in New Jersey.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New Jersey and Alabama

ComparisonNew JerseyAlabama
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 DisastersHurricanes, Winter stormsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 66Β°F91Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 25Β°F57Β°F / 36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"56"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)23"2"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from New Jersey to Alabama. Alabama gets 3% more sunshine days than New Jersey.
  • Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New Jersey.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and winter storms in New Jersey, 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 6 degrees warmer than in New Jersey.
  • The average winter lows are 11 degrees warmer than they are in New Jersey.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 9 more inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Alabama

ComparisonNew JerseyAlabama
Avg. Household Income$96,346$59,674
Cost of Living Index129.791.2
State Income Tax5.53%5%
Avg. Property Tax2.21%0.42%
Avg. Sales Tax6.63%9.22%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Pharmaceuticals, TelecommunicationsAutomotive, Agriculture, Aerospace
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 38% less than those in New Jersey
  • The COLI in Alabama is 30% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
  • The state income tax in AL is 5% compared to 5.53% in NJ
  • The affluence in Alabama is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
  • The poverty level is high in Alabama compared to moderate in New Jersey
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in New Jersey and moderate in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Alabama

ComparisonNew JerseyAlabama
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsModerately ProgressiveConservative
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Catholic populationLargely Evangelical Christian
  • New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
  • Alabama's religious environment can be described as largely Evangelical Christian
  • New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a significant Catholic population

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Alabama

ComparisonNew JerseyAlabama
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Rutgers University
Princeton University
The College of New Jersey
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLittlebrook Elementary School (Princeton)
Princeton Charter School (Princeton)
Central School (East Brunswick)
Mountain Brook Elementary (Mountain Brook)
Vestavia Hills Elementary West (Vestavia Hills)
Brookwood Forest Elementary (Mountain Brook)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsThomas Grover Middle School (West Windsor)
Community Middle School (Plainsboro)
William R. Satz Middle School (Holmdel)
Mountain Brook Junior High (Mountain Brook)
Berry Middle School (Hoover)
Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills)
Top 3 High School SchoolsHigh Technology High School (Lincroft)
Bergen County Academies (Hackensack)
Princeton High School (Princeton)
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery)
Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook)
Vestavia Hills High School (Vestavia Hills)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Delbarton School (Morristown)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
The Altamont School (Birmingham)
Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)
Randolph School (Huntsville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
The Morristown-Beard School (Morristown)
The Altamont School (Birmingham)
Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)
Randolph School (Huntsville)
Top 3 School DistrictsPrinceton Public Schools
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District
Millburn Township Schools
Mountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Madison City Schools

How Much Do New Jersey to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 1,031 miles from New Jersey to Alabama will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Express Haulers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,787300 ft3$5.96
1 Bedroom$2,658450 ft3$5.91
2 Bedrooms$4,392750 ft3$5.86
3 Bedrooms$6,3871100 ft3$5.81
4 Bedrooms$9,2111600 ft3$5.76
5+ Bedrooms$10,2721800 ft3$5.71

Top New Jersey to Alabama Movers

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

TOP PICK
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

Best moving company overall for New Jersey to Alabama

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Cimply Labor, LLC featured image

Cimply Labor, LLC

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details