($1,140) Moving From Alabama to West Virginia

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Alabama to West Virginia ranges from $520 to $5,857 and takes one-six days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service Alabama moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Alabama to West Virginia separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from West Virginia to Alabama guide.

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The best Alabama to West Virginia movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Alabama to West Virginia is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Alabama to West Virginia:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Alabama movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Applewhite Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
5640 Oakwood Road Northwest, Huntsville, AL, 35806
(256) 430-1198
Coleman Worldwide Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
1285 Parker St, Montgomery, AL, 36108
(877) 693-7060

Visit our Best Movers in Alabama page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from Alabama to West Virginia?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Alabama to West Virginia for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,140 - $4,014 $765 - $1,853 $512 - $933
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,320 - $5,857 $1,325 - $2,519 $520 - $1,085
4+ bedrooms $4,032 - $7,872 $1,757 - $3,306 $671 - $1,438

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 708 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to WV

There are many factors that influence Alabama moving costs. The cost to move from Alabama to West Virginia will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Alabama is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Alabama to West Virginia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Alabama to West Virginia will cost between $1,140 and $4,014. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from AL to WV will range from $2,320 to $5,857, and a large move from Alabama to West Virginia will cost from $4,032 to $7,872.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Alabama to West Virginia?

Moving containers from Alabama to West Virginia will cost you $765 to $1,853 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,325 to $2,519. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,757 to $3,306. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Alabama.

How much is a moving truck from Alabama to West Virginia?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $512 to $933. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $520 to $1,085, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Alabama to West Virginia costs from $671 to $1,438.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Alabama to West Virginia a good idea?

If you’re moving to West Virginia from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Alabama vs. West Virginia

Alabama West Virginia
Average rent cost $925 $899
Average home cost $227,508 $168,172
Average income (per capita) $59,609 $55,217
Cost of Living Index 88 90
Unemployment rate 2.9% 4.2%
Average Sales Tax 9.22% 6.0%
State Income Tax 5.0% 6.5%
  • Rent is about 3% less expensive in West Virginia than in Alabama.
  • Home prices are about 26% lower in West Virginia than in Alabama.
  • The average income is about 7% lower in West Virginia than in Alabama.
  • Cost of living is 2% lower in West Virginia than in Alabama.
  • West Virginia has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 45%.
  • Sales taxes are 35% lower in West Virginia than in Alabama.
  • Income taxes are 30% higher in West Virginia than in Alabama.

How does life in West Virginia differ from Alabama?

West Virginia Alabama
Population 1,782,959 5,108,468
Political leaning Republican 69-30 Republican 65-35
Summer high 83ºF 91ºF
Winter low 21ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 45" 56"
Annual snow 33" 1"
Crime index 17.47 21.48
  • The population of West Virginia is approximately 65% lower than the population of Alabama.
  • In the last presidential election, West Virginia voted Republican and Alabama voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in West Virginia is 83ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, West Virginia reaches the temperature of 21ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-five inches of annual rainfall in West Virginia versus fifty-six inches of rainfall in Alabama.
  • In West Virginia, it snows about thirty-three inches annually versus one inches of snow in Alabama.
  • West Virginia has a lower crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 21.48 vs 17.47.

Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. West Virginia

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Alabama versus West Virginia side by side.

Pros of living in Alabama Pros of living in West Virginia
Low cost of living Low cost of living
Tasty southern comfort food Abundant outdoor activities
Bountiful recreational opportunities 4 distinct seasons of weather
Top-notch college football Immense natural beauty
Rich history Relaxed small cities and towns

Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. West Virginia

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for West Virginia.

Cons of living in Alabama Cons of living in West Virginia
Poor quality of life Dismal economy
Severe weather High rates of crime
Restrictive alcohol laws High rates of drug abuse
Poor healthcare Shrinking population
Cockroaches Lack of diversity

What to know before your move to West Virginia

  • Weather: West Virginia has warm to hot, humid summers and chilly winters. Be sure to check the weather during your move to avoid inclement weather.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to West Virginia. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers' insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in West Virginia

While you’re in West Virginia, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
  • Snowshoe Mountain
  • West Virginia State Penitentiary
  • Seneca Caverns
  • New River Gorge Bridge
  • West Virginia State Capitol
  • Summersville Lake
  • Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
  • Stonewall Jackson Lake Resort
  • Blackwater Falls State Park
  • Seneca Rocks State Park
  • The Greenbrier
  • Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
  • Monongahela National Forest
  • Coopers Rock State Forest
  • Hawks Nest State Park
  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail
  • Green Bank Observatory
  • Mothman Museum
  • Charleston Capitol Market

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to West Virginia?

The cheapest way to move from Alabama to West Virginia is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to West Virginia?

The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to West Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in West Virginia such as low cost of living and abundant outdoor activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or West Virginia?

It is generally cheaper to live in Alabama than in West Virginia. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is much more affordable in West Virginia, with average rent about 3% less and home prices 26.1% lower than in Alabama. However, taxes are lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by West Virginia residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in West Virginia?

You should make approximately $29,126 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $933 per month for an individual and $2,135 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in West Virginia you live For example, larger cities like Beckley and Charleston will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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