Moving from Montgomery to Birmingham, AL
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Quick answer: Moving from Montgomery to Birmingham costs $113–$4,845, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 90-mile route within Alabama take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 46+ Alabama moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Montgomery to Birmingham?
Moving from Montgomery to Birmingham doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 90-mile move:
Moving from Montgomery to Birmingham costs between $113 and $4,845, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 90-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,314–$3,901 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $937–$1,831 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $127–$208 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $133/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 46+ Alabama movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Montgomery to Birmingham?
Movers typically charge between $113 and $4,845 for a Montgomery to Birmingham move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 90-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $733–$4,845
- Moving containers: $735–$2,194
- Rental trucks: $113–$230
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 90 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $733–$3,207 | $735–$1,332 | $113–$175 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,314–$3,901 | $937–$1,831 | $127–$208 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,810–$4,845 | $1,285–$2,194 | $144–$230 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 46+ Alabama moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Montgomery to Birmingham move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Montgomery to Birmingham move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $133/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Montgomery to Birmingham
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Montgomery to Birmingham, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 90 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Montgomery to Birmingham. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Alabama, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 90 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Alabama moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham to Montgomery guide.
How does Birmingham compare to Montgomery?
Cost of living: Montgomery vs. Birmingham
Cost-of-living factors in Montgomery vs. Birmingham go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Birmingham stacks up against Montgomery.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Montgomery | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $146,265 | $141,615 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,687 | $44,376 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,651 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,569 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.6% |
| Average sales tax | 10.0% | 10.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Montgomery and Birmingham comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 46+ Alabama cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Birmingham match Montgomery. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
- Home prices in Birmingham match Montgomery. Existing homeowners can swap properties at a comparable price point.
- Average income in Birmingham is 20% lower than Montgomery. Test the move's affordability by overlaying local salary ranges with local rent and home prices.
- Cost of living for one person in Birmingham is 63% higher than Montgomery. Plan to add roughly 63% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Birmingham are 88% higher than Montgomery. Most of the gap shows up in housing, childcare, and after-school programming.
- Unemployment rates in Birmingham and Montgomery match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
- Sales taxes match in Birmingham and Montgomery. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Montgomery, expect to budget around $4,890 to maintain the same lifestyle in Birmingham.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Birmingham
A side-by-side comparison of life in Montgomery vs. Birmingham helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Montgomery and Birmingham so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Montgomery | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 196,644 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 32ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 56" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 61.64 |
- Birmingham has a comparable population to Montgomery. Local industries, neighborhood character, and amenities matter more than raw size.
- The last presidential election saw both Montgomery and Birmingham siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Birmingham (90°F) and Montgomery (91°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Montgomery (35°F) match Birmingham (32°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Montgomery and Birmingham is nearly identical, at 51 inches and 56 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Montgomery is zero, while Birmingham averages 1 inch. Budget for winter tires, snow gear, and possible heating-system upgrades.
- Crime index in Birmingham (61.64) is lower than Montgomery (65.25). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Birmingham
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Birmingham. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in Birmingham
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Vulcan Park and Museum
- McWane Science Center
- Birmingham Museum of Art
Parks in Birmingham
- Vulcan Park and Museum
- Birmingham's Railroad Park
- Kelly Ingram Park
- Red Mountain Park
- East Lake Park
Sports teams in Birmingham
- Birmingham Barons
- UAB Blazers
- Samford University teams
- Birmingham Legion FC
- Alabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball league
Universities in Birmingham
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Samford University
- Birmingham School of Law
- Miles College
- Miles Law School
Final verdict: best movers from Montgomery to Birmingham
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Montgomery to Birmingham, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Alabama service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $113–$4,845 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 46+ Alabama movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Montgomery to Birmingham
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Montgomery to Birmingham?
A full-service move from Montgomery to Birmingham ranges from $657 to $2,771 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $1,314–$3,901. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,810–$4,845 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Montgomery to Birmingham?
Moving containers from Montgomery to Birmingham break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $499 to $1,204. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $937 and $1,831. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,285 to $2,194.
How much is a moving truck from Montgomery to Birmingham?
A rental moving truck from Montgomery to Birmingham costs $119–$179 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $127–$208, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $144 and $230.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Montgomery-to-Birmingham movers?
Ideally, book your move from Montgomery to Birmingham at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Montgomery-to-Birmingham movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Birmingham?
For the cheapest move to Birmingham, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
