$1,124 Movers From Chicago, IL to Alabama

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL, to Alabama averages from $551 to $5,490, and can take anywhere from two-seven days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.

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Moving 762 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Alabama to Chicago, IL guide.

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The best Chicago to Alabama moving companies

Hiring the right interstate moving company from Chicago to Alabama is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Chicago and 267 throughout the Heart of Dixie — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Alabama.

Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.

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

How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL, to Alabama?

Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Chicago to Alabama:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,124 - $3,723 $730 - $1,877 $532 - $970
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,104 - $5,490 $1,314 - $2,580 $551 - $1,247
4+ bedrooms $3,842 - $7,584 $1,707 - $3,462 $697 - $1,426

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 762 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago, IL, to Alabama will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL, to Alabama?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Alabama will cost between $1,124 to $3,723. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to AL will range from $2,104 to $5,490. A large move from Chicago to Alabama will cost anywhere from $3,842 to $7,584.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL, to Alabama?

Moving pods from Chicago to Alabama will cost you $730 to $1,877. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,314 to $2,580. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,707 to $3,462. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to Alabama.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL, to Alabama?

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 $532 to $970. A larger move will cost $551 to $1,247, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to Alabama costs from $697 to $1,426.

Is moving from Chicago, IL, to Alabama a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Chicago, IL, vs Alabama

Chicago, IL Alabama
Average rent cost $1,595 $925
Average home cost $306,098 $227,508
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $59,609
Unemployment rate 9.0% 2.9%
State income tax 4.95% 5.0%
  • Rent is about 57% less expensive in Alabama than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 31.5% lower in Alabama than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 7.6% lower in Alabama than in Chicago.
  • Alabama has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 115.1%.
  • Income taxes are 1.01% higher in Alabama than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL, from Alabama?

Chicago, IL Alabama
Population 2,746,388 5,108,468
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 65-35
Summer high 84ºF 91ºF
Winter low 19ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 38" 56"
Annual snow 35" 1"
Crime index 35.19 21.48
  • The population of Alabama is approximately 86% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Alabama voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Alabama is 91º F and in Chicago, it’s 84º F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Alabama reaches the temperature of 33º F and Chicago gets down to 19º F.
  • You can expect about 56 inches of annual rainfall in Alabama vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Alabama, it snows about 1 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. Alabama:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Alabama side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Alabama
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Low cost of living
Delicious food Tasty southern comfort food
Abundant entertainment Bountiful recreational opportunities
Intense sports culture Top-notch college football
Ample economic opportunity Rich history

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. Alabama:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Alabama.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Alabama
High crime rate Poor quality of life
Temperamental weather Severe weather
Terrible traffic Restrictive alcohol laws
High taxes Poor healthcare
Pollution Cockroaches

Considerations for moving to Alabama

  • Weather: Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to. .
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Alabama 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Alabama. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600

Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Alabama

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Alabama.

Museums in Alabama

  • Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
  • U.S. Space and Rocket Center
  • Battleship USS ALABAMA
  • Legacy Museum
  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
  • Rosa Parks Library and Museum
  • Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
  • Civil Rights Memorial Center
  • Vulcan Park and Museum
  • McWane Science Center
  • U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
  • Foley Railroad Museum
  • Cook Museum of Natural Science
  • Indian & Sea Museum
  • Jasmine Hill Gardens & Outdoor Museum

Parks in Alabama

  • Gulf State Park
  • Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
  • Sipsey Wilderness
  • The Wharf
  • Orange Beach Waterfront Park
  • Huntsville Botanical Garden
  • Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
  • Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
  • Vulcan Park and Museum
  • Alabama Point East
  • Monte Sano State Park
  • Chewacla State Park
  • Little River Canyon National Preserve
  • Noccalula Falls Park & Campground

Sports Teams in Alabama

  • Auburn Tigers (NCAA)
  • Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA)
  • AFC Mobile (NPSL)
  • Dixie Derby Girls (WFTDA)
  • Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League)

Universities in Alabama

  • The University of Alabama
  • Auburn University
  • The University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • The University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Samford University
  • Troy University
  • Tuskegee University
  • University of South Alabama
  • Jacksonville State University
  • University of North Alabama
  • Auburn University at Montgomery
  • Alabama State University
  • Alabama A&M University
  • Spring Hill College
  • The University of West Alabama

FAQs: Moving from Chicago to Alabama

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to Alabama?

Need to get your car from Chicago to Alabama? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to Alabama car shippers.

Why are people moving from Chicago to Alabama?

Many people are moving to Alabama because of its low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Alabama