Moving from Montgomery to Mobile, AL
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Quick answer: Moving from Montgomery to Mobile costs $218–$5,647, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 168-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 Mobile?
Moving from Montgomery to Mobile 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 168-mile move:
Moving from Montgomery to Mobile costs between $218 and $5,647, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 168-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,615–$4,453 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,196–$2,122 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $229–$431 (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 Mobile?
Expect to spend between $218 and $5,647 on a Montgomery to Mobile move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 168-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $952–$5,647
- Moving containers: $939–$2,622
- Rental trucks: $218–$519
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 168 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $952–$3,836 | $939–$1,507 | $218–$359 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,615–$4,453 | $1,196–$2,122 | $229–$431 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,255–$5,647 | $1,483–$2,622 | $270–$519 |
*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 Mobile move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Montgomery to Mobile move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
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 Mobile
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Montgomery to Mobile, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 168 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 Mobile. 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 168 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 Mobile to Montgomery guide.
How does Mobile compare to Montgomery?
Cost of living: Montgomery vs. Mobile
A cost-of-living comparison between Montgomery and Mobile covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Mobile 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Montgomery and Mobile 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 Mobile are 8% higher than in Montgomery. Renters typically offset this by moving farther from the city center or accepting a smaller unit.
- Home prices in Mobile are 15% higher than Montgomery. Buyers may need to downsize, extend the loan term, or wait longer to build equity.
- Average income in Mobile is 8% lower than Montgomery. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person is 11% higher in Mobile than Montgomery. A renter on a fixed budget should expect to downsize or adjust spending categories.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Mobile is 15% higher than Montgomery. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Mobile is 7% higher than Montgomery. Job security is less certain, especially in cyclical or layoff-prone industries.
- Sales taxes in Mobile and Montgomery match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
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
A comparison of life in Montgomery and Mobile covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows 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 is 7% smaller in size than Montgomery. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Mobile voted Republican, while Montgomery voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Mobile (91°F) and Montgomery (91°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows match across Montgomery (35°F) and Mobile (38°F). Existing heating bills are a reliable benchmark.
- Annual rainfall in Mobile is 66 inches, vs. 51 inches in Montgomery. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Montgomery and Mobile is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime indexes in Mobile (64.95) and Montgomery (65.25) are similar. Safety considerations apply at the neighborhood level, not the city level.
Things to do in Mobile
Mobile's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Montgomery to Mobile
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Montgomery to Mobile, 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 $218–$5,647 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 Mobile
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Montgomery to Mobile?
A move from Montgomery to Mobile with a professional moving company costs $839–$3,162 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,615 up to $4,453. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,255–$5,647 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Montgomery to Mobile?
Moving containers from Montgomery to Mobile cost $610–$1,411 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,196–$2,122. A larger home costs $1,483–$2,622.
How much is a moving truck from Montgomery to Mobile?
A rental moving truck from Montgomery to Mobile costs $227–$370 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $229–$431, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $270 and $519.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Montgomery-to-Mobile movers?
Lock in your movers for a Montgomery to Mobile move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Mobile?
The best deals on a move to Mobile fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
