($587+) Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $587 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,985 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 900 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 $1,867, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,985 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,075 - $3,770, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $587 - $1,636.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,372 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL
Moving options from Madison to Montgomery fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,372 - $5,708 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 39% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 73% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 900 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 900-mile route from Madison to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,867 - $4,672 | $1,075 - $2,071 | $587 - $1,122 | $1,017 - $1,846 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,372 - $5,708 | $1,439 - $2,877 | $641 - $1,292 | $1,094 - $2,278 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,246 - $7,985 | $1,878 - $3,770 | $812 - $1,636 | $1,503 - $3,016 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 900-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Montgomery, Alabama, with costs ranging from $1,867 - $7,985. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $280 - $1,868. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Madison and Montgomery. Local movers in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,867 - $4,672
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,372 - $5,708
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,246 - $7,985
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 Madison to Montgomery.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Montgomery, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $467 - $4,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $187 - $1,121/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $280 - $2,242 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $934 - $2,802 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,335 - $9,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $700 - $1,329 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $934 - $2,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $747 - $3,269 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $280 - $1,401 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $607 - $1,868 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $280 - $14,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $280 - $3,269+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Montgomery?
All three below meet the standards set by the Alabama Trucking Association, the group most Alabama movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Madison, WI. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,075 and $3,770. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Madison runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,075 - $2,071
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,439 - $2,877
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,878 - $3,770
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Madison, WI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $654, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $70 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $140 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Madison, WI, and Montgomery, AL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Alabama 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 $1,075. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,439 - $2,877.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Montgomery?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Madison 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 Madison:
- Above Average Moving LLC (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- Top Notch Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL
Renting a moving truck for the 900-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Montgomery, Alabama, costs between $587 and $1,636, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $267 - $306
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Madison to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $587 - $1,122
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $641 - $1,292
- 4+ bedrooms: $812 - $1,636
Pro tip: A rental truck from Madison to Montgomery looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $587 - $1,636. But once you factor in fuel ($267 - $306), overnight lodging ($140/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $140 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Madison, Wisconsin, usually costs about $654 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 900-mile drive falls between $267 and $306, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $47 and $280 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Montgomery?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL
If you're moving a larger household from Madison, Wisconsin, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Montgomery, Alabama.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,094 and $2,278.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,017 - $1,846
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,094 - $2,278
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,503 - $3,016
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $654.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $70 and $140 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Montgomery?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Montgomery fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Montgomery, AL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Montgomery, side by side with Madison on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Madison, WI | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 103 | 79 |
| Average rent | $1,600/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Median home value | $346,854 | $146,265 |
| Average income | $76,983/yr | $55,687/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.65% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 50/100 | 26/100 |
| Safety index | 65.43/100 | 34.75/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Alabama, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 145 movers licensed in Wisconsin, useful context for sizing up this 900-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Madison, WI, to Montgomery, AL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,867 for a studio to $7,985 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 900-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,075 - $3,770. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $587 - $1,636, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,372 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Montgomery, AL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Alabama?
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.
What do local movers charge in Madison?
Local movers based in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Montgomery run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $587 to $7,985, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,867 and $7,985, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $641 - $1,292. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.