Talk to a real mover now — free quote in 2 minutes
(833) 643-2351
Tap to call · Free · No obligation
MOVING near you
State-to-State Guide

Moving from California to Alabama

Compare cost of living, taxes, housing, and find the best moving companies for your California to Alabama move.

Quick Comparison

Leaving California

Population39.5M
State Income Tax1%-13.3%
Avg Home Price$785,000
Avg Rent$2,200/mo
Property Tax Rate0.76%
DESTINATION

Moving to Alabama

Population5.0M
State Income Tax2%-5%
Avg Home Price$220,000
Avg Rent$1,050/mo
Property Tax Rate0.41%

Why Are People Moving from California to Alabama?

The migration corridor between California and Alabama is a popular interstate move. California has been experiencing net outflow while Alabama continues to attract new residents.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Alabama is significantly lower than California, which is a major draw for relocating families. The average home price in Alabama is $565,000 less than California, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Alabama average 45°F, compared to 55°F in California.

Jobs & Industry: Alabama's key industries include Aerospace, Automotive, Agriculture, which attract professionals from California's Technology and Entertainment sectors.

Popular City-to-City Routes

2338 mi
42.5h drive
Los Angeles, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-20 East
2338 mi
42.5h drive
Los Angeles, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-20 East
2283 mi
41.5h drive
San Diego, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-20 East
2277 mi
41.4h drive
San Diego, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-20 East
2560 mi
46.5h drive
San Jose, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-40 East
2576 mi
46.8h drive
San Jose, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-40 East
2594 mi
47.2h drive
San Francisco, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-40 East
2612 mi
47.5h drive
San Francisco, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-40 East
2415 mi
43.9h drive
Fresno, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-40 East
2428 mi
44.1h drive
Fresno, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-40 East
2524 mi
45.9h drive
Sacramento, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-40 East
2545 mi
46.3h drive
Sacramento, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-40 East
2375 mi
43.2h drive
Bakersfield, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-40 East
2382 mi
43.3h drive
Bakersfield, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-40 East
2317 mi
42.1h drive
Anaheim, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-20 East
2317 mi
42.1h drive
Anaheim, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-20 East
2315 mi
42.1h drive
Santa Ana, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-20 East
2315 mi
42.1h drive
Santa Ana, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-20 East
2339 mi
42.5h drive
Long Beach, CA
Huntsville, AL
via I-20 East
2338 mi
42.5h drive
Long Beach, CA
Birmingham, AL
via I-20 East

Cities in California

Los Angeles

Population4.0M
Median Home Price$850,000

San Diego

Population1.4M
Median Home Price$850,000

San Jose

Population1.0M
Median Home Price$1,200,000

San Francisco

Population874K
Median Home Price$1,400,000

Fresno

Population542K
Median Home Price$340,000

Sacramento

Population525K
Median Home Price$430,000

Bakersfield

Population403K
Median Home Price$340,000

Anaheim

Population350K
Median Home Price$750,000

Santa Ana

Population309K
Median Home Price$700,000

Long Beach

Population467K
Median Home Price$700,000

Cities in Alabama

Huntsville

Population215K
Median Home Price$280,000

Birmingham

Population201K
Median Home Price$120,000

Other Major Cities

Mobile
Montgomery

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 2409 miles between California and Alabama:

Studio / 1 BR
$2,005
3–4 BR Home
$4,891

Estimates based on typical full-service interstate moves. Actual costs vary.

California → Alabama Transition Checklist

Driver's License

You must obtain a Alabama driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in Alabama within 30 days.

Voter Registration

Update your voter registration to Alabama after establishing residency. You can typically register at your local DMV or online.

Vehicle Inspection

Alabama vehicle inspection requirement: Not required.

Things to Know About Alabama

  • • Property tax is among the lowest in the US
  • • No state tax on Social Security benefits
  • • Severe weather preparedness is essential during tornado season

What's Different: California vs Alabama

Taxes

California Income Tax:1%-13.3%
Alabama Income Tax:2%-5%
California Property Tax:0.76%
Alabama Property Tax:0.41%

Weather

California Summer Avg:85°F
Alabama Summer Avg:90°F
California Winter Avg:55°F
Alabama Winter Avg:45°F

Cost of Living

California COL Index:150
Alabama COL Index:88
California Avg Home Price:$785,000
Alabama Avg Home Price:$220,000
California Avg Rent:$2,200/mo
Alabama Avg Rent:$1,050/mo

Ready to make the move to Alabama?

Get quotes from interstate carriers that regularly run routes between California and Alabama.