Charleston, SC to Montgomery, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Charleston to Montgomery typically costs $2,100–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 453 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Charleston to Montgomery
Moving from Charleston, SC to Montgomery, AL typically costs $2,100–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 453-mile move from Charleston to Montgomery, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,832 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $496 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
- PODS recently quoted $2,232 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
4 Bedrooms
Mar 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 27, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 12, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 20, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to Montgomery
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Montgomery may only cost $1,300, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,700.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Charleston.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$1,100), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Montgomery, AL to Charleston, SC guide.
Best Charleston to Montgomery movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Charleston to Montgomery
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Charleston to Montgomery. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best SC→AL movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 52 South Carolina moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Montgomery
Many movers find Montgomery easier on the wallet than Charleston - roughly 69% less for singles and 55% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,651 for one person in Montgomery versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it's $3,569 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,232 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $1,567 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $140,563 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $49,989 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $1,651 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $3,569 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
- Rent is about 52% less expensive in Montgomery than in Charleston, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 75% cheaper in Montgomery than in Charleston.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 20% less in Montgomery than in Charleston.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Montgomery. The cost of living for a single person there is 69% below that of Charleston.
- A move to Montgomery can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 55% lower compared to Charleston.
- Montgomery has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 45%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Montgomery surpass those in Charleston by 11%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 29% less in Alabama compared to South Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Charleston versus Montgomery:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $180.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $50.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.99 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $1.57 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $51.49 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $37.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Montgomery, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Montgomery.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Montgomery.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Montgomery.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Montgomery.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Montgomery.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Montgomery.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Montgomery
| Charleston | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 200,603 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 33 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 65.25 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 34.75 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Montgomery's population is about 33% greater than Charleston.
- Montgomery's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Charleston's score of 3.
- Montgomery is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
- Montgomery has a bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Montgomery's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 65.25 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Montgomery is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 34.75 vs Charleston's 55.03.
- Air quality in Montgomery is Moderate, and in Charleston it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Montgomery move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Alabama, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Montgomery. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Montgomery
With your sights set on Cradle of the Confederacy, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Montgomery.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cloverdale/Idlewild
- Old Cloverdale
- EastChase
- Entertainment District
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dalraida
- Forest Park
- Hillwood
- McGehee Estates
- Pike Road
Things to do in Montgomery
With your move to Alabama complete, you can dive right into experiencing Montgomery. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Montgomery is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Civil Rights Memorial Center, and Alabama Department of Archives and History.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Riverfront Park, Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, Wright Brothers Park, and Alabama Bicentennial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montgomery Biscuits (Double A) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Montgomery?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Montgomery. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Montgomery?
Want to save on your move from Charleston to Montgomery? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Montgomery take?
The 453-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Montgomery, AL, takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Montgomery.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Charleston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Charleston provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
