($635+) Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL

Moving from Madison, WI, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $635 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,296 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,979, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,296 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,128 - $3,997, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $635 - $1,770.
  • 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 $2,671 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,671 - $6,619 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 900-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.

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 makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,979 - $5,003 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,128 - $2,131), rental truck ($635 - $1,226), or freight trailer ($1,015 - $1,880). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,671 - $6,619 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,296.

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 Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL

For the 900-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Montgomery, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $1,979 and $8,296. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $280 - $1,868 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Madison generally start around $371 plus $85 per hour, per mover.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,979 - $5,003
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,671 - $6,619
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,242 - $8,296

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.

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

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL

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

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$467 - $4,670
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC$187 - $1,121/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$280 - $2,242
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs20% of local movers$934 - $2,802
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,335 - $9,340
Car shippingSecond vehicle$700 - $1,329
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company$934 - $2,335
PianoAny piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC$747 - $3,269
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling$280 - $1,401
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.$607 - $1,868
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$280 - $14,010+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$280 - $3,269+

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

Movers licensed to operate in Alabama are typically members of the Alabama Trucking 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Madison, WI. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.

Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL

Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,128 and $3,997. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Madison costs roughly $90/month if you need it.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,128 - $2,131
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,525 - $3,080
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,951 - $3,997

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $654 in Madison, WI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $70 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $140 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Montgomery, AL, destination before booking.

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 $1,128. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,525 - $3,080, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Madison to Montgomery?

  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 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:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
  • Du Frane Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 95 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL

Plan on $635 - $1,770 for a rental moving truck on the 900-mile route from Madison, Wisconsin, to Montgomery, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • 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 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 Madison to Montgomery based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $635 - $1,226
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $666 - $1,514
  • 4+ bedrooms: $904 - $1,770

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Madison to Montgomery starts at $635 - $1,770, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($267 - $306) , overnight lodging ($140/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $267 - $306 for the 900-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for about 5 hours typically costs around $654.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 900-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $140 per night, adding $280 - $420 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $280.

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

  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 Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Montgomery, Alabama. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $841 and $2,272.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,015 - $1,880
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,148 - $2,272
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,561 - $3,010

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $70 and $140.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly five hours typically average $654.

What are the best freight companies from Madison to Montgomery?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Larson Transportation, LLC (4.3/5 stars): Larson Transportation, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Madison to Montgomery. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

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 index10379
Average rent$1,600/mo$1,200/mo
Median home value$346,854$146,265
Average income$76,983/yr$55,687/yr
Unemployment rate3.3%5.8%
State income taxUp to 7.65%Up to 5.0%
Walkability score50/10026/100
Safety index65.43/10034.75/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Wisconsin to Alabama, 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 40 movers in Wisconsin, so you have real options to compare for this 900-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Madison, WI, to Montgomery, AL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,979 - $8,296 on the 900-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,128 - $3,997 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $635 - $1,770 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,671 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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 much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL?

Costs on this route range from around $1,979 to $8,296, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,979 and $8,296, 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.

How walkable is Montgomery?

Montgomery has a walkability score of 26 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 33, compared to 50 and 66 in Madison. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

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

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($267 - $306), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $140/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

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 is the best time of year to move from Madison, WI to Montgomery, AL?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Alabama also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

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

About 60% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.