Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Huntsvilletoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Huntsville can be as low as $1,406 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,333.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $548 to $1,292. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Huntsville

Chicago Huntsville
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,409
Average home value $295,743 $266,736
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $60,959
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $4,140
Unemployment rate 9.0% 3.1%
Sales tax 10.25% 9.0%
State income tax 4.95% 5.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Huntsville are 31% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Huntsville are 9.8% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Huntsville is 14.8% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 144.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 11.6% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 65.56% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Huntsville are 12.20% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Huntsville are 1.01% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,342.97 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Huntsville

Huntsville Chicago
Population 241,114 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 9
Walkability score 24 77
Bike friendliness score 40 72
Crime Index 42.55 35.19
Safety Index 57.45 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Huntsville's population is about 91% less than Chicago.
  • Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Huntsville is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Huntsville has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • Huntsville's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 42.55 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Huntsville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 57.45 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Huntsville move

  • Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
  • 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 Huntsville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Huntsville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Rocket City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Huntsville.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Five Points
  • Downtown Huntsville
  • Hampton Cove
  • Whitesburg
  • Research Park

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Blossomwood
  • Hampton Cove
  • Jones Valley
  • Madison
  • South Huntsville

Things to do in Huntsvilletoggle

After settling into your new Alabama home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Huntsville has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Huntsville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, and Earlyworks Museum Complex.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL), Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA), or Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Huntsville?

The best time to move from Chicago to Huntsville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Huntsville?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Huntsville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Huntsville take?

The 585-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Huntsville, AL, takes one to six days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Huntsville.

Helpful moving resources

Chicago moving services

Popular Illinois routes

Popular moving resources