Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Montgomery typically costs $3,900–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,030 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Riverside to Montgomery
Moving from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL typically costs $3,900–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,030-mile move from Riverside to Montgomery, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,462 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
- PODS recently quoted $2,428 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,771 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 30, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 11, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 21, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 08, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Riverside to Montgomery move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,900 for a one-bedroom, or up to $12,700 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Riverside.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,300 to $3,800, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Montgomery, AL to Riverside, CA guide.
Best Riverside to Montgomery movers by type
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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 Riverside to Montgomery
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Riverside to Montgomery much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 CA→AL movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 372 California movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Riverside to Montgomery
Many movers find Montgomery easier on the wallet than Riverside - roughly 36% less for singles and 36% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,651 for one person in Montgomery versus $2,573 in Riverside. For a family of four, it's $3,569 compared with $5,604.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Riverside | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,163 | $1,232 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,270 | $1,567 |
| Average home value | $642,297 | $140,563 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,755 | $49,989 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,573 | $1,651 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,604 | $3,569 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.0% |
- When relocating from Riverside to Montgomery, expect to find rent about 48% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 78% more affordable in Montgomery compared to Riverside.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 35% lower in Montgomery compared to Riverside.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Montgomery, as the cost of living for a single person is 36% lower compared to Riverside.
- A move to Montgomery can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 36% less than what it costs in Riverside.
- The unemployment rate in Montgomery is about 18% lower than in Riverside. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Montgomery are 14% more than in Riverside, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Alabama are 62% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Riverside and Montgomery:
| Living Expense | Riverside | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $226.85 | $180.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.50 | $50.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.99 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.02 | $1.57 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $51.49 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $37.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Riverside than in Montgomery.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Riverside than in Montgomery.
- Eggs cost more in Riverside than in Montgomery.
- Bread is more expensive in Riverside than in Montgomery.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Riverside than in Montgomery.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Riverside than in Montgomery.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Riverside than in Montgomery.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Montgomery
| Riverside | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 200,603 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 33 |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 65.25 |
| Safety index | 59.76 | 34.75 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Montgomery's population is about 37% less than Riverside.
- Montgomery's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Riverside's score of 5.
- Montgomery is less walkable than Riverside with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Riverside's 43 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 Riverside, which has a score of 49.
- Montgomery's crime rate is higher than Riverside with a score of 65.25 compared to Riverside's 40.24. This means that Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24%.
- Montgomery is considered to be less safe than Riverside with a score of 34.75 vs Riverside's 59.76.
- Air quality in Montgomery is Moderate, and in Riverside it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Riverside to Montgomery move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Alabama’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Montgomery. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Montgomery
Planning your move to Cradle of the Confederacy? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Alabama home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Montgomery has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Montgomery features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Montgomery Biscuits (Double A) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Riverside to Montgomery?
Planning your move from Riverside to Montgomery? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Riverside.
When is the cheapest time to move from Riverside to Montgomery?
Because most people are moving from Riverside to Montgomery in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Riverside to Montgomery take?
The 2,030-mile journey from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL, typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Riverside offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Montgomery.
Are there special savings available from movers in Riverside?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Riverside?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Riverside, 42 movers can manage piano relocations. 34 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
