Montgomery to Birmingham Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Montgomery to Birmingham, AL (~90 miles) costs between $101 and $4,389, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as McCorquodale Transfer, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 57 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $133/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Montgomery
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Montgomery to Birmingham?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Montgomery to Birmingham are regulated by Alabama law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Alabama intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Alabama companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend McCorquodale Transfer (4.5/5) as the top local pick, followed by Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.5/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Montgomery to Birmingham moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
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 $101 and $4,389* for a Montgomery to Birmingham move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $626 - $4,389
- Moving containers: $673 - $1,856
- Rental trucks: $101 - $185
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 putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $626 - $2,739 | $673 - $1,138 | $101 - $157 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,111 - $3,298 | $876 - $1,487 | $105 - $172 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,640 - $4,389 | $1,130 - $1,856 | $127 - $185 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 46+ Alabama moving companies, and are updated as of September 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.
Learn more about the cost of Montgomery, AL movers.
How Montgomery to Birmingham moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $133 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,590.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 40% of Montgomery movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 40% of Montgomery movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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
Moving from Montgomery to Birmingham is a job for local and regional Alabama movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. McCorquodale Transfer leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 57 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Montgomery to Birmingham
Local movers operating within Alabama know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- McCorquodale Transfer (4.5/5 stars): 91.2% positive customer ratings.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.5/5 stars): 63.3% positive customer ratings.
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.36/5 stars): 89.4% positive customer ratings.
- Admiral Movers (4.26/5 stars): 94.7% positive customer ratings.
- C & R Movers, LLC (4.22/5 stars): 71.2% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 5 movers in Montgomery, drawing on 800 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Montgomery to Birmingham
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Montgomery, AL
Montgomery residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Alabama moving resources
How does Birmingham compare to Montgomery?
Cost of living: Montgomery vs. Birmingham
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| 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 September 2026 across 46+ Alabama moving companies. 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. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
- Average income in Birmingham is 20% lower than Montgomery. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- 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.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Birmingham is 88% higher than Montgomery. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment rates in Birmingham and Montgomery match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Birmingham and Montgomery match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,890 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Montgomery.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Birmingham
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Birmingham might look different from Montgomery in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Alabama can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 35% of movers in Alabama, vs 33% nationally).
- Birmingham has a similar population to Montgomery. Cost of living, job market depth, and cultural breadth, not headcount, will define the move experience.
- In the last presidential election, both Montgomery and Birmingham voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Birmingham (90°F) match Montgomery (91°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Montgomery (35°F) and Birmingham (32°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Montgomery (51 inches) and Birmingham (56 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- 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: Montgomery to Birmingham movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Alabama service. For smaller moves, McCorquodale Transfer (4.5/5) is the top local choice, with 91.2% positive reviews across 57 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $101 - $4,389, based on our analysis of 46+ Alabama movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Montgomery to Birmingham
How much is a moving truck from Montgomery to Birmingham?
A rental truck from Montgomery to Birmingham costs $101 - $145 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $105 - $172 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $127 - $185 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
Is moving from Montgomery to Birmingham considered a long-distance move?
A move from Montgomery to Birmingham is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Alabama law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Alabama intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How many movers in Montgomery offer labor-only help?
60% of movers in Montgomery offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
How much are moving container companies from Montgomery to Birmingham?
Moving containers from Montgomery to Birmingham cost $417 - $1,103 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $876 - $1,487, and a larger home costs $1,130 - $1,856.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Birmingham?
The cheapest time to move to Birmingham is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
