($576+) Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA

Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $605 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,700 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 796 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,932, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,700 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,106 - $3,719, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $605 - $1,595.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,564 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA

There are 3 main ways to move from Montgomery to Arlington: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,564 - $6,214. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 796-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 796-mile route from Montgomery to Arlington, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,932 - $5,004, container $1,106 - $1,955, rental truck $605 - $1,086, freight trailer $956 - $1,760.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,564 - $6,214, container $1,508 - $2,965, rental truck $604 - $1,225, freight trailer $1,115 - $2,191.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,472 - $8,700, container $1,869 - $3,719, rental truck $772 - $1,595, freight trailer $1,587 - $2,886.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA

Full-service movers for the 796-mile relocation from Montgomery, Alabama, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,932 and $8,700. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $339 - $2,260, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Montgomery typically charge a base rate around $462 plus $133 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Arlington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,932 - $5,004
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,564 - $6,214
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,472 - $8,700

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Montgomery to Arlington.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

Don't see your company listed?

Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$565 - $5,650
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer$226 - $1,356/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$339 - $2,712
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage60% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers$1,130 - $3,390
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,825 - $11,300
Car shippingSecond vehicle$846 - $1,608
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer$1,130 - $2,825
PianoAny piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer$904 - $3,955
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling80% of local movers$339 - $1,695
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc.$735 - $2,260
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$339 - $16,950+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$339 - $3,955+

What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Arlington?

Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Montgomery, AL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA

Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,106 and $3,719. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Arlington. If you go over that window, storage in Montgomery adds around $70/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Arlington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,106 - $1,955
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,508 - $2,965
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,869 - $3,719

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $85 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $170 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Arlington, VA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $791 in Montgomery, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Virginia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,106. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,508 - $2,965, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Arlington?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Montgomery to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Montgomery:

  • McCorquodale Transfer (5.0/5), 28 years in business
  • Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
  • Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 796 miles from Montgomery, Alabama, to Arlington, Virginia, running $605 - $1,595. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $286 - $327
  • Daily insurance: $34/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
  • Montgomery daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Montgomery to Arlington based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $605 - $1,086
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $604 - $1,225
  • 4+ bedrooms: $772 - $1,595

Pro tip: The base rate of $605 - $1,595 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Montgomery to Arlington. Fuel ($286 - $327) , lodging at around $170/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $85 and $396.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $170.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $286 and $327 for the 796-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $791 for 2 movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Arlington?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA

For larger DIY moves from Montgomery, Alabama, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Arlington, Virginia.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,115 and $2,191.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Arlington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,760
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,115 - $2,191
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,587 - $2,886

Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $791.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $85 and $170 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Arlington?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. MAF Expedited Bhm Express (4/5 stars): MAF Expedited Bhm Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Montgomery to Arlington, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs Arlington, VA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Montgomery, AL Arlington, VA
Cost of living index79164
Average rent$1,200/mo$2,718/mo
Median home value$146,265$866,334
Average income$55,687/yr$140,160/yr
Unemployment rate5.8%4.0%
State income taxUp to 5.0%Up to 5.75%
Walkability score26/10071/100
Safety index34.75/10079.15/100
Air qualityModerateGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA to Montgomery, AL guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Virginia, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 46 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 796-mile move.

30%+
Save 30%+
Comparing movers helps moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average compared to booking blind.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Booking a moveBuddha Certified mover unlocks dedicated support throughout your move.
Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, we help resolve it with Certified movers.

Our take

The 796-mile move from Montgomery, AL, to Arlington, VA, costs between $1,932 and $8,700 with full-service movers, $1,106 - $3,719 with a moving container, and $605 - $1,595 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,564 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.

FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Arlington, VA

How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?

In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($286 - $327), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $170/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Arlington?

Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 26 and 33 in Montgomery. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

How much does it cost to move from Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA?

Costs on this route range from around $1,932 to $8,700, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,932 and $8,700, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Montgomery, AL to Arlington, VA?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 80% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.