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Virginia to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 669 mile interstate move from Virginia to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Virginia Ham vs Alabama BBQ), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs craftsman, bungalow), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Virginia Ham and Fried Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Alabama BBQ & Pulled pork
  • Alabama housing costs are 41% less expensive than they are in Virginia
  • Rent in Alabama is 19.46% more affordable than in Virginia
  • Moving from Virginia to Alabama will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Virginia to Alabama movers is ARS Movers

Virginia to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Alabama

ConsVirginia iconVirginia
  • High cost of living
  • Cold winters
  • Heavy traffic
  • High taxes
  • Dense population
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Lower cost of living
  • Mild winters
  • Less congestion
  • Lower taxes
  • More space

Alabama iconAlabama
  • Less historical landmarks
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Less diversity
  • Averaged schools
  • Fewer urban options
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Rich history
  • Variety of seasons
  • Diverse culture
  • Great schools
  • Urban amenities

Pros of moving from Virginia to Alabama

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from cold winters and moving to Alabama with mild winters
  • Swap the heavy traffic of Virginia for less congestion in Alabama
  • Get ready for lower taxes in Alabama

Cons of moving from Virginia to Alabama

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Virginia to live with fewer historical landmarks in Alabama
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a variety of seasons and have to settle with the con of hot, humid summers
  • Time to bid farewell to the diverse culture and get used to less diversity in Alabama
  • Swap great schools for average schools

Virginia vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonVirginiaAlabama
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamAlabama BBQ
Most popular meat dishFried ChickenPulled pork
Most popular street food itemOystersFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodVegetable SoupBlack-eyed Pea Hummus
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • L’Auberge Chez FranΓ§ois
  • Amuse
  • Saw’s BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Big River Grille
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 Virginia to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Alabama BBQ of Alabama. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful Fried Chicken and sumptuous Oysters, Alabama residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Soup 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 Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, L’Auberge Chez FranΓ§ois, and Amuse. 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 River Grille.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Alabama

ComparisonVirginiaAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodCraftsman, Bungalow
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 listingHardwood floors, Granite countertopsLarge yards, Outdoor living spaces
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Bungalow architecture typical of Alabama.
  • Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and outdoor living spaces.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than Virginia.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than Virginia.
  • Alabama has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
  • Alabama housing costs are 41% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
  • Rent in Alabama is 19.46% more affordable than in Virginia.

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

ComparisonVirginiaAlabama
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 DisastersCoastal storms, HurricanesTornadoes, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6491/71
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)48/2957/36
Annual Rainfall (Inches)44"56"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)10"2"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Virginia to Alabama. Alabama gets 4% more sunshine days than Virginia.
  • Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible coastal storms and hurricanes in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and hurricanes in Alabama.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 6 degrees warmer than in Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 12 more inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Alabama

ComparisonVirginiaAlabama
Avg. Household Income$85,873$59,674
Cost of Living Index96.691.2
State Income Tax5.755
Avg. Property Tax0.800.41
Avg. Sales Tax5.39.22
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Tech, MilitaryManufacturing, Agriculture, Aerospace
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 31% less than in Virginia
  • The COLI in Alabama is 6% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
  • The state income tax in Alabama is 5 compared to 5.75 in Virginia
  • The affluence in Alabama is moderate compared to high in Virginia
  • The poverty level is higher in Alabama compared to moderate in Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Virginia and higher in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Alabama

ComparisonVirginiaAlabama
Political Make-upMixed; leans Democratic in recent electionsStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsVaries significantly by regionConservative across most areas
ReligionChristianity predominant, with a mix of other faithsHeavily Christian, especially Evangelical
  • Virginia tends to lean mixed and leans 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, especially Evangelical
  • Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a mix of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Alabama

ComparisonVirginiaAlabama
Where most seniors go to college (top 3)University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William & Mary
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsArlington Science Focus School
Arlington; St. Christopher's School
Richmond; Baileys Elementary School
Falls Church
Mountain Brook Elementary
Mountain Brook; Cherokee Bend Elementary
Mountain Brook; Vestavia Hills Elementary West
Vestavia Hills
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Henley Middle School
Crozet; Lake Braddock Secondary
Burke
Mountain Brook Junior High
Mountain Brook; Berry Middle School
Hoover; Liberty Park Middle School
Vestavia Hills
Top 3 High SchoolsThomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High School
McLean; Langley High School
McLean
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
Montgomery; Mountain Brook High School
Mountain Brook; Vestavia Hills High School
Vestavia Hills
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Potomac School
McLean; Norfolk Academy
Norfolk; St. Christopher's School
Richmond
The Altamont School
Birmingham; Indian Springs School
Indian Springs; Randolph School
Huntsville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Nysmith School
Herndon; Basis Independent McLean
McLean; The Langley School
McLean
The Altamont School
Birmingham; Indian Springs School
Indian Springs; Randolph School
Huntsville
Top 3 School DistrictsFalls Church City Public Schools; Loudoun County Public Schools; Fairfax County Public SchoolsMountain Brook City Schools; Vestavia Hills City Schools; Madison City Schools

How Much Do Virginia to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 669 miles from Virginia 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,582300 ft3$5.27
1 Bedroom$2,350450 ft3$5.22
2 Bedrooms$3,879750 ft3$5.17
3 Bedrooms$5,6351100 ft3$5.12
4 Bedrooms$8,1161600 ft3$5.07
5+ Bedrooms$9,0411800 ft3$5.02

Top Virginia to Alabama Movers

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

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Virginia to Alabama

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Matthew's Nationwide Moving featured image

Matthew's Nationwide Moving

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
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