New York to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Alabama

ConsNew York

• High cost of living
• Sky-high rent
• Heavy taxes
• Tiny apartments
• Crowded subways
• Traffic gridlock
• Long commutes
• Limited parking
• Noise pollution
• Harsh winters
• Fast-paced stress
• Expensive childcare
• Higher insurance costs
• Limited backyard space

ProsAlabama

• Lower cost of living
• Affordable housing
• Lower state taxes
• Larger homes
• Less-crowded roads
• Easier commuting
• Shorter drive times
• Ample parking
• Quieter neighborhoods
• Milder winters
• Slower pace
• Cheaper childcare
• Lower insurance costs
• Bigger yards

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Alabama

• Limited public transit
• Car-dependent living
• Earlier closing hours
• Fewer global cuisines
• Fewer major museums
• Limited performing arts
• Smaller job market
• Lower average pay
• Smaller professional circles
• Fewer specialists nearby
• Fewer large events
• Need a car
• Slower opportunities
• Limited 24/7 options
• Fewer direct flights
• Infrequent regional buses
• Limited shopping variety
• Longer travel times

New York

• World-class transit
• Walkable lifestyle
• Late-night conveniences
• Diverse food scene
• Top-tier museums
• Broadway and theater
• Dense job market
• Higher salaries
• Robust networking
• Extensive healthcare
• Never-ending events
• Car-free options
• Fast-paced energy
• 24/7 services
• Seamless airport access
• Reliable subways
• Street-level retail variety
• Walk to everything

Pros of moving from New York to Alabama

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from sky-high rent and moving to Alabama with affordable housing
• Swap the heavy taxes of New York for the lower state taxes in Alabama
• Get ready for larger homes in Alabama

Cons of moving from New York to Alabama

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from world-class transit in New York to live with limited public transit in Alabama
• You'll lose out on the pro of a walkable lifestyle and have to settle with the con of car-dependent living
• Time to bid farewell to late-night conveniences and get used to earlier closing hours in Alabama
• Swap the diverse food scene for fewer global cuisines

New York vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New York to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic bagel of New York for the equally delicious barbecue ribs of Alabama. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful New York strip steak and sumptuous pizza slice, Alabama residents know they have tasty pulled pork and fried green tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the avocado toast 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 New York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and Carlo's Bakery. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Dreamland BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Hot and Hot Fish Club.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Alabama

• The Modern and High-Rise architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Alabama.
• Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transport and views, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than New York.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than New York.
• Alabama has less of an urban feel than New York.
• Alabama housing costs are 51% less expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to New York’s $460,812.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
• Rent in Alabama is 41.01% more affordable than in New York.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New York to Alabama. Alabama gets 5% fewer sunshine days than New York.
• Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New York.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in New York, 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 9 degrees warmer than in New York.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in New York.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 8.4 more inches of rain compared to New York.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Alabama

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 25% less than in New York
• The COLI in Alabama is 11% lower than what you are used to living in New York
• The state income tax in AL is 2 - 5 compared to 4 - 8.82 in NY
• The affluence in Alabama is modest compared to wealthy in New York
• The poverty level is higher in Alabama compared to moderate in New York
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in New York and less visible in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Alabama

• New York tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly Republican
• Alabama's religious environment can be described as having a strong Christian influence, particularly Protestant
• New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having diverse religious beliefs with a significant secular population

Education Guide When Moving from New York to Alabama

How Much Do New York to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 1,221 miles from New York 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.