CostByState

Who’s Moving To and From Alabama?

In the latest Census data (2022), Alabama gained about 15,850 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Georgia, and the largest number leaving head to Florida.

Where Alabama residents move — top destinations moves per year Florida 17,012 Georgia 15,599 Tennessee 8,169 Texas 8,146 Mississippi 6,027
US Census ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · chart: CostByState

Top states moving into Alabama

Where Alabama residents move

Net interstate migration: +15,850 more people moved in than out (vs. the other 49 states).

Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology

Where Alabama residents go: the biggest destinations are Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. The single largest stream runs to Florida — about 17,012 people in a year. In total, roughly 101,397 residents left Alabama for another state, versus about 117,247 who moved in.

Who moves to Alabama: the largest inbound flows come from Georgia, Florida and Tennessee, led by Georgia with about 17,959 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.

Why people come: Alabama is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (2.0%–5.0%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Georgia and other high-cost states are a large part of the story.

Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between Alabama and Florida can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.

Compare Alabama with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.

Frequently asked questions

Are people leaving Alabama?
On net, no — Alabama gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 15,850 in 2022. The most people arrive from Georgia.
Which state do most people move to from Alabama?
Florida is the top destination for people leaving Alabama, with about 17,012 moves in the latest year, followed by Georgia and Tennessee.
Which states do people move to Alabama from?
The largest inbound flows to Alabama come from Georgia, Florida and Tennessee, led by Georgia with about 17,959 arrivals.