Moving from Californiato Alabama
An interstate move, so the FMCSA's rules apply from the first quote. Between Los Angeles and Birmingham it is about 2,097 miles and 5 days on the road (about 38 hours of driving); the 100 city pairs we price between the two states run from 1,987 to 2,404 miles.
Prices from our published model, not quotes. Distances marked ~ are estimated from city coordinates. We do not move anyone.
Los Angeles to Birmingham, the representative route
Each state is represented by its largest city we cover. The map shows that corridor; the table further down prices every city pair between California and Alabama.
Cost of moving from California to Alabama
At about 2,097 miles, full-service movers should land around $9,437 – $12,582 for a two-bedroom home and $10,852 – $14,469 for three bedrooms. Load a container yourself and the two-bedroom figure drops to $6,794 – $9,059; a freight trailer is $4,530 – $6,039.
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $7,077 – $9,437 | $5,096 – $6,794 | $3,397 – $4,530 |
| 1 bedroom | $8,493 – $11,324 | $6,115 – $8,153 | $4,077 – $5,435 |
| 2 bedrooms | $9,437 – $12,582 | $6,794 – $9,059 | $4,530 – $6,039 |
| 3 bedrooms | $10,852 – $14,469 | $7,813 – $10,418 | $5,209 – $6,945 |
| 4 bedrooms | $12,267 – $16,357 | $8,833 – $11,777 | $5,888 – $7,851 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $14,155 – $18,873 | $10,191 – $13,589 | $6,794 – $9,059 |
Transport only, for an estimated 2,097 miles, from our published model: distance × home-size factor × service rate, shown as −10% to +20% around the base figure. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items sit on top. How we price it.
City-to-city routes from California to Alabama
Every pair of cities we cover in the two states, nearest first. 100 have a full route page with a map, transit and licensed movers.
| Route | Distance | Transit | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chula Vista to Mobile | ~1,987 mi | 7–14 days | $8,942 – $11,922 | $10,283 – $13,710 |
| Moreno Valley to Mobile | ~1,996 mi | 7–14 days | $8,982 – $11,976 | $10,329 – $13,772 |
| San Diego to Mobile | ~1,996 mi | 7–14 days | $8,982 – $11,976 | $10,329 – $13,772 |
| San Bernardino to Mobile | ~2,002 mi | 7–14 days | $9,009 – $12,012 | $10,360 – $13,814 |
| Riverside to Mobile | ~2,008 mi | 7–14 days | $9,036 – $12,048 | $10,391 – $13,855 |
| Fontana to Mobile | ~2,013 mi | 7–14 days | $9,059 – $12,078 | $10,417 – $13,890 |
| Ontario to Mobile | ~2,022 mi | 7–14 days | $9,099 – $12,132 | $10,464 – $13,952 |
| Moreno Valley to Birmingham | ~2,030 mi | 7–14 days | $9,135 – $12,180 | $10,505 – $14,007 |
| Moreno Valley to Huntsville | ~2,030 mi | 7–14 days | $9,135 – $12,180 | $10,505 – $14,007 |
| Anaheim to Mobile | ~2,033 mi | 7–14 days | $9,149 – $12,198 | $10,521 – $14,028 |
| San Bernardino to Huntsville | ~2,033 mi | 7–14 days | $9,149 – $12,198 | $10,521 – $14,028 |
| Chula Vista to Birmingham | ~2,034 mi | 7–14 days | $9,153 – $12,204 | $10,526 – $14,035 |
| Irvine to Mobile | ~2,034 mi | 7–14 days | $9,153 – $12,204 | $10,526 – $14,035 |
| San Bernardino to Birmingham | ~2,034 mi | 7–14 days | $9,153 – $12,204 | $10,526 – $14,035 |
| Chula Vista to Huntsville | ~2,039 mi | 7–14 days | $9,176 – $12,234 | $10,552 – $14,069 |
| Riverside to Birmingham | ~2,042 mi | 7–14 days | $9,189 – $12,252 | $10,567 – $14,090 |
| Riverside to Huntsville | ~2,042 mi | 7–14 days | $9,189 – $12,252 | $10,567 – $14,090 |
| San Diego to Birmingham | ~2,042 mi | 7–14 days | $9,189 – $12,252 | $10,567 – $14,090 |
| Santa Ana to Mobile | ~2,042 mi | 7–14 days | $9,189 – $12,252 | $10,567 – $14,090 |
| Fontana to Birmingham | ~2,045 mi | 7–14 days | $9,203 – $12,270 | $10,583 – $14,111 |
| Fontana to Huntsville | ~2,045 mi | 7–14 days | $9,203 – $12,270 | $10,583 – $14,111 |
| San Diego to Huntsville | ~2,048 mi | 7–14 days | $9,216 – $12,288 | $10,598 – $14,131 |
| Ontario to Birmingham | ~2,055 mi | 7–14 days | $9,248 – $12,330 | $10,635 – $14,180 |
| Ontario to Huntsville | ~2,055 mi | 7–14 days | $9,248 – $12,330 | $10,635 – $14,180 |
| Lancaster to Mobile | ~2,060 mi | 7–14 days | $9,270 – $12,360 | $10,661 – $14,214 |
| Long Beach to Mobile | ~2,062 mi | 7–14 days | $9,279 – $12,372 | $10,671 – $14,228 |
| Los Angeles to Mobile | ~2,065 mi | 7–14 days | $9,293 – $12,390 | $10,686 – $14,249 |
| Anaheim to Birmingham | ~2,067 mi | 7–14 days | $9,302 – $12,402 | $10,697 – $14,262 |
| Anaheim to Huntsville | ~2,068 mi | 7–14 days | $9,306 – $12,408 | $10,702 – $14,269 |
| Irvine to Birmingham | ~2,070 mi | 7–14 days | $9,315 – $12,420 | $10,712 – $14,283 |
| Irvine to Huntsville | ~2,071 mi | 7–14 days | $9,320 – $12,426 | $10,717 – $14,290 |
| Santa Ana to Birmingham | ~2,077 mi | 7–14 days | $9,347 – $12,462 | $10,748 – $14,331 |
| Santa Ana to Huntsville | ~2,078 mi | 7–14 days | $9,351 – $12,468 | $10,754 – $14,338 |
| Chula Vista to Montgomery | ~2,079 mi | 7–14 days | $9,356 – $12,474 | $10,759 – $14,345 |
| Moreno Valley to Montgomery | ~2,080 mi | 7–14 days | $9,360 – $12,480 | $10,764 – $14,352 |
| Santa Clarita to Mobile | ~2,082 mi | 7–14 days | $9,369 – $12,492 | $10,774 – $14,366 |
| Lancaster to Huntsville | ~2,083 mi | 7–14 days | $9,374 – $12,498 | $10,780 – $14,373 |
| San Bernardino to Montgomery | ~2,084 mi | 7–14 days | $9,378 – $12,504 | $10,785 – $14,380 |
| Lancaster to Birmingham | ~2,086 mi | 7–14 days | $9,387 – $12,516 | $10,795 – $14,393 |
| San Diego to Montgomery | ~2,088 mi | 7–14 days | $9,396 – $12,528 | $10,805 – $14,407 |
| Riverside to Montgomery | ~2,092 mi | 7–14 days | $9,414 – $12,552 | $10,826 – $14,435 |
| Fontana to Montgomery | ~2,096 mi | 7–14 days | $9,432 – $12,576 | $10,847 – $14,462 |
| Long Beach to Birmingham | ~2,097 mi | 7–14 days | $9,437 – $12,582 | $10,852 – $14,469 |
| Long Beach to Huntsville | ~2,097 mi | 7–14 days | $9,437 – $12,582 | $10,852 – $14,469 |
| Los Angeles to Birmingham | ~2,097 mi | 7–14 days | $9,437 – $12,582 | $10,852 – $14,469 |
| Los Angeles to Huntsville | ~2,097 mi | 7–14 days | $9,437 – $12,582 | $10,852 – $14,469 |
| Ontario to Montgomery | ~2,106 mi | 7–14 days | $9,477 – $12,636 | $10,899 – $14,531 |
| Santa Clarita to Huntsville | ~2,108 mi | 7–14 days | $9,486 – $12,648 | $10,909 – $14,545 |
| Santa Clarita to Birmingham | ~2,111 mi | 7–14 days | $9,500 – $12,666 | $10,924 – $14,566 |
| Anaheim to Montgomery | ~2,117 mi | 7–14 days | $9,527 – $12,702 | $10,955 – $14,607 |
| Bakersfield to Mobile | ~2,118 mi | 7–14 days | $9,531 – $12,708 | $10,961 – $14,614 |
| Irvine to Montgomery | ~2,120 mi | 7–14 days | $9,540 – $12,720 | $10,971 – $14,628 |
| Santa Ana to Montgomery | ~2,126 mi | 7–14 days | $9,567 – $12,756 | $11,002 – $14,669 |
| Oxnard to Mobile | ~2,129 mi | 7–14 days | $9,581 – $12,774 | $11,018 – $14,690 |
| Bakersfield to Huntsville | ~2,131 mi | 7–14 days | $9,590 – $12,786 | $11,028 – $14,704 |
| Bakersfield to Birmingham | ~2,138 mi | 7–14 days | $9,621 – $12,828 | $11,064 – $14,752 |
| Lancaster to Montgomery | ~2,139 mi | 7–14 days | $9,626 – $12,834 | $11,069 – $14,759 |
| Long Beach to Montgomery | ~2,147 mi | 7–14 days | $9,662 – $12,882 | $11,111 – $14,814 |
| Los Angeles to Montgomery | ~2,148 mi | 7–14 days | $9,666 – $12,888 | $11,116 – $14,821 |
| Oxnard to Huntsville | ~2,158 mi | 7–14 days | $9,711 – $12,948 | $11,168 – $14,890 |
| Oxnard to Birmingham | ~2,159 mi | 7–14 days | $9,716 – $12,954 | $11,173 – $14,897 |
| Santa Clarita to Montgomery | ~2,162 mi | 7–14 days | $9,729 – $12,972 | $11,188 – $14,918 |
| Fresno to Huntsville | ~2,166 mi | 7–14 days | $9,747 – $12,996 | $11,209 – $14,945 |
| Fresno to Mobile | ~2,172 mi | 7–14 days | $9,774 – $13,032 | $11,240 – $14,987 |
| Fresno to Birmingham | ~2,178 mi | 7–14 days | $9,801 – $13,068 | $11,271 – $15,028 |
| Bakersfield to Montgomery | ~2,193 mi | 7–14 days | $9,869 – $13,158 | $11,349 – $15,132 |
| Oxnard to Montgomery | ~2,211 mi | 7–14 days | $9,950 – $13,266 | $11,442 – $15,256 |
| Fresno to Montgomery | ~2,237 mi | 7–14 days | $10,067 – $13,422 | $11,576 – $15,435 |
| Modesto to Huntsville | ~2,238 mi | 7–14 days | $10,071 – $13,428 | $11,582 – $15,442 |
| Roseville to Huntsville | ~2,252 mi | 7–14 days | $10,134 – $13,512 | $11,654 – $15,539 |
| Modesto to Birmingham | ~2,253 mi | 7–14 days | $10,139 – $13,518 | $11,659 – $15,546 |
| Modesto to Mobile | ~2,255 mi | 7–14 days | $10,148 – $13,530 | $11,670 – $15,560 |
| Stockton to Huntsville | ~2,255 mi | 7–14 days | $10,148 – $13,530 | $11,670 – $15,560 |
| Sacramento to Huntsville | ~2,264 mi | 7–14 days | $10,188 – $13,584 | $11,716 – $15,622 |
| Roseville to Birmingham | ~2,271 mi | 7–14 days | $10,220 – $13,626 | $11,752 – $15,670 |
| Stockton to Birmingham | ~2,271 mi | 7–14 days | $10,220 – $13,626 | $11,752 – $15,670 |
| Stockton to Mobile | ~2,276 mi | 7–14 days | $10,242 – $13,656 | $11,778 – $15,704 |
| Sacramento to Birmingham | ~2,282 mi | 7–14 days | $10,269 – $13,692 | $11,809 – $15,746 |
| Roseville to Mobile | ~2,283 mi | 7–14 days | $10,274 – $13,698 | $11,815 – $15,753 |
| Sacramento to Mobile | ~2,292 mi | 7–14 days | $10,314 – $13,752 | $11,861 – $15,815 |
| San Jose to Huntsville | ~2,296 mi | 7–14 days | $10,332 – $13,776 | $11,882 – $15,842 |
| Fremont to Huntsville | ~2,298 mi | 7–14 days | $10,341 – $13,788 | $11,892 – $15,856 |
| San Jose to Birmingham | ~2,310 mi | 7–14 days | $10,395 – $13,860 | $11,954 – $15,939 |
| San Jose to Mobile | ~2,310 mi | 7–14 days | $10,395 – $13,860 | $11,954 – $15,939 |
| Fremont to Birmingham | ~2,313 mi | 7–14 days | $10,409 – $13,878 | $11,970 – $15,960 |
| Fremont to Mobile | ~2,314 mi | 7–14 days | $10,413 – $13,884 | $11,975 – $15,967 |
| Modesto to Montgomery | ~2,315 mi | 7–14 days | $10,418 – $13,890 | $11,980 – $15,974 |
| Oakland to Huntsville | ~2,317 mi | 7–14 days | $10,427 – $13,902 | $11,990 – $15,987 |
| San Francisco to Huntsville | ~2,326 mi | 7–14 days | $10,467 – $13,956 | $12,037 – $16,049 |
| Oakland to Birmingham | ~2,333 mi | 7–14 days | $10,499 – $13,998 | $12,073 – $16,098 |
| Stockton to Montgomery | ~2,334 mi | 7–14 days | $10,503 – $14,004 | $12,078 – $16,105 |
| Oakland to Mobile | ~2,336 mi | 7–14 days | $10,512 – $14,016 | $12,089 – $16,118 |
| Roseville to Montgomery | ~2,336 mi | 7–14 days | $10,512 – $14,016 | $12,089 – $16,118 |
| San Francisco to Birmingham | ~2,342 mi | 7–14 days | $10,539 – $14,052 | $12,120 – $16,160 |
| San Francisco to Mobile | ~2,345 mi | 7–14 days | $10,553 – $14,070 | $12,135 – $16,181 |
| Sacramento to Montgomery | ~2,347 mi | 7–14 days | $10,562 – $14,082 | $12,146 – $16,194 |
| San Jose to Montgomery | ~2,372 mi | 7–14 days | $10,674 – $14,232 | $12,275 – $16,367 |
| Fremont to Montgomery | ~2,375 mi | 7–14 days | $10,688 – $14,250 | $12,291 – $16,388 |
| Oakland to Montgomery | ~2,395 mi | 7–14 days | $10,778 – $14,370 | $12,394 – $16,526 |
| San Francisco to Montgomery | ~2,404 mi | 7–14 days | $10,818 – $14,424 | $12,441 – $16,588 |
Routes without a link are priced on estimated distance only; the calculator measures the exact drive.
What the interstate rules give you
A licensed carrier. Active interstate operating authority (an MC number) and a USDOT number, both checkable on the FMCSA register. A company that offers neither is a broker at best.
A written estimate before loading. Binding fixes the price for the listed inventory; non-binding follows the weighed shipment. The carrier cannot demand more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery, with the balance billed within 30 days. Ask for binding not-to-exceed by name, after a survey.
Valuation. Released-value protection is included at 60 cents per pound per item; full-value protection is the upgrade worth buying for 2,097 miles of handling.
A delivery window, in writing. If it is on the bill of lading, missing it entitles you to delay costs. If it is not, it entitles you to an apology.
Interstate movers based in California
1,617 household-goods carriers in California are active on the FMCSA register. The largest with interstate authority, by registered fleet:
- Air Container Transfer, Brisbane · USDOT 1701515 · 60 trucks
- Meathead Movers Inc, San Luis Obispo · USDOT 921143 · 53 trucks
- Waters Moving & Storage Inc, Martinez · USDOT 1125579 · 35 trucks
- Move Happy Acme, Los Angeles · USDOT 3136064 · 31 trucks
- Crown Worldwide Moving And Storage Llc, Union City · USDOT 2970 · 25 trucks
At the Alabama end
170 household-goods carriers are based in Alabama — useful if you need a local crew after delivery. A local move inside Birmingham runs about $475 – $775 for a two-bedroom home.
Timing the move
| Home size | October – April, mid-week | Summer weekend (+25%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 bedrooms | $9,437 – $12,582 | $11,796 – $15,728 |
| 3 bedrooms | $10,852 – $14,469 | $13,565 – $18,086 |
Transit is 7 to 14 days. Book ahead: 6 to 8 weeks, 8 to 12 in summer. Trailers on this corridor fill faster in summer, but crews and trucks are stretched, so windows get wider, not shorter.
Other moves from California
California to Alabama moving FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Alabama?
Between the two states' main cities, Los Angeles and Birmingham, the distance is about 2,097 miles. From our model that is $9,437 – $12,582 for a two-bedroom home and $10,852 – $14,469 for three bedrooms with full-service movers, transport only. A container you load yourself is about $6,794 – $9,059 for the two-bedroom home; a freight trailer about $4,530 – $6,039. Across the 100 city pairs we price between California and Alabama, distances run from 1,987 to 2,404 miles, so use the table for your own cities.
How long does a move from California to Alabama take?
Los Angeles to Birmingham is 5 days on the road (about 38 hours of driving). The move itself typically takes 7 to 14 days, because at this distance it usually travels on a consolidated load sharing trailer space with other households. Get the delivery window in writing. Book ahead: 6 to 8 weeks, 8 to 12 in summer.
Do I need an interstate-licensed mover for California to Alabama?
Yes. Any move that crosses from California into Alabama is regulated by the FMCSA, and the carrier must hold active interstate operating authority (an MC number) as well as a USDOT number. Check both on the FMCSA register before you sign. Interstate carriers must give you a written estimate, the federal "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet, and access to an arbitration programme, and cannot demand more than 110% of a non-binding estimate before releasing your goods.
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Alabama?
Load a freight trailer yourself: about $4,530 – $6,039 for a two-bedroom home over 2,097 miles against $9,437 – $12,582 with full-service movers. A container splits the difference and gives you days to load. On any of them, moving between October and April, mid-month and mid-week, is worth another 20 to 30 percent — a peak-season date puts the three-bedroom figure at $13,565 – $18,086 rather than $10,852 – $14,469.