Moving from Montgomery to Mobile, AL
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Quick answer: Moving from Montgomery to Mobile costs between $225 to $5,592 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 168-mile route within Alabama take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Montgomery to Mobile
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Montgomery to Mobile are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Montgomery to driving and unloading in Mobile, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 168 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,583 - $4,639 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,150 - $2,080 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $238 - $449 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | McCorquodale Transfer | $133/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Montgomery to Mobile?
It costs between $225 to $5,592 to move from Montgomery to Mobile. The prices below break down your 168-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $888 - $5,592
- Moving containers: $930 - $2,571
- Rental trucks: $225 - $489
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $888 - $3,950 | $930 - $1,477 | $225 - $370 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,583 - $4,639 | $1,150 - $2,080 | $238 - $449 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,189 - $5,592 | $1,558 - $2,571 | $273 - $489 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $237 - $1,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $133/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $158 - $632 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $40 - $158 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Montgomery to Mobile
At 168 miles, your Montgomery to Mobile move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Montgomery to Mobile. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Alabama, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 168 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Coleman Worldwide Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Montgomery to Mobile. They've been in business since 1915 (111 years of experience) and 63.3% of their 60 verified reviews are positive.
More Alabama moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Mobile to Montgomery guide.
Considerations when moving from Montgomery to Mobile
Cost of living: Montgomery vs. Mobile
When weighing the cost of living in Montgomery versus Mobile, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Mobile really compares to Montgomery.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Montgomery | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,300 |
| Average home cost | $146,265 | $168,803 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,687 | $51,090 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,651 | $1,825 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,569 | $4,104 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 6.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.0% | 10.0% |
- Rent prices in Mobile are 8% higher than in Montgomery. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Mobile are 15% higher than in Montgomery. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Income in Mobile is 8% lower than in Montgomery, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living costs for one person are 11% higher in Mobile compared to Montgomery, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 15% higher than in Montgomery. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Mobile less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Mobile is 7% higher than in Montgomery. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are the same in Mobile and Montgomery, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Montgomery, you’d need about $3,330 in Mobile.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Mobile
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Montgomery and Mobile. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Montgomery | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 187,041 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 55-43 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 66" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 64.95 |
Mobile sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Mobile is approximately 7% lower than the population of Montgomery. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Mobile voted Republican, while Montgomery voted Democratic.
- In Mobile and Montgomery, summer highs run about the same — 91°F vs. 91°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Montgomery and Mobile face similar winter lows—Montgomery drops to 35°F, while Mobile falls to 38°F.
- Mobile receives more annual rainfall than Montgomery, with about 66 inches per year compared to Montgomery’s 51 inches.
- Both Montgomery and Mobile receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Mobile and Montgomery have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 64.95 and 65.25, respectively.
Things to do in Mobile
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Mobile has it all.
Museums in Mobile
- GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
- Battleship USS ALABAMA
- Mobile Carnival Museum
- History Museum of Mobile
- Richards DAR House Museum
Parks in Mobile
- Mobile Bay
- Mobile Botanical Gardens
- Bienville Square
- Medal of Honor Park
- Mardi Gras Park
Sports teams in Mobile
- South Alabama Jaguars (Sun Belt)
- Spring Hill Badgers (SIAC)
Universities in Mobile
- University of South Alabama
- Spring Hill College
- University of Mobile
- Bishop State Community College
- Fortis College Mobile
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Montgomery to Mobile?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Montgomery to Mobile, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $847 and $3,163. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,583 up to $4,639. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,189 to $5,592 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Montgomery to Mobile?
Moving containers from Montgomery to Mobile will cost you $598 to $1,456 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,150 to $2,080. A larger home will cost $1,558 to $2,571.
How much is a moving truck from Montgomery to Mobile?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $220 to $352. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $238 and $449. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Montgomery to Mobile, costs usually fall between $273 and $489.
How far in advance should I book Montgomery-to-Mobile movers?
To make your move from Montgomery to Mobile as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Mobile?
For the best deals on your move to Mobile, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
