($1,195+) Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,195 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,108 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,083 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,563, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,108 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,562 - $5,980, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,195 - $3,394.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,432 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 Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Montgomery to Los Angeles: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,432 - $8,029. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 63% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,083 miles, expect 6 to 17 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,083-mile route from Montgomery to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,563 - $5,903 | $1,562 - $3,065 | $1,195 - $2,237 | $1,391 - $2,786 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,432 - $8,029 | $2,148 - $4,341 | $1,281 - $2,634 | $1,668 - $3,438 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,904 - $12,108 | $2,772 - $5,980 | $1,697 - $3,394 | $2,402 - $4,691 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,083-mile relocation from Montgomery, Alabama, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $2,563 and $12,108. 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 $337 - $2,244, 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 Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,563 - $5,903
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,432 - $8,029
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,904 - $12,108
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 Los Angeles.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Los Angeles, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing64% of local movers | $561 - $5,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $224 - $1,346/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $337 - $2,693 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $1,122 - $3,366 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,805 - $11,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $840 - $1,597 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $1,122 - $2,805 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $898 - $3,927 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $337 - $1,683 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $729 - $2,244 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $337 - $16,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $337 - $3,927+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Los Angeles?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Montgomery, AL. 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 Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,562 and $5,980. 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 Montgomery costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,562 - $3,065
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,148 - $4,341
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,772 - $5,980
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 $785 in Montgomery, AL. 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 $84 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $168 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 Los Angeles, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to California 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 $1,562. 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 $2,148 - $4,341.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Los Angeles?
- 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 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:
- C & R Movers, LLC (4.2/5), 12 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, CA
Plan on $1,195 - $3,394 for a rental moving truck on the 2,083-mile route from Montgomery, Alabama, to Los Angeles, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $744 - $850
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Montgomery daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Montgomery to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,195 - $2,237
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,281 - $2,634
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,697 - $3,394
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,195 - $3,394 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Montgomery to Los Angeles. Fuel ($744 - $850), lodging at around $168/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging 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 $84 and $393.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $168.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $744 and $850 for the 2,083-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 $785 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 Los Angeles?
- 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 Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Montgomery, Alabama, 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 Los Angeles, California.
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 $1,668 and $3,438.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,391 - $2,786
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,668 - $3,438
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,402 - $4,691
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $84 - $168 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for about five hours typically runs $785.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Montgomery, AL | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 79 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $146,265 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $55,687/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 26/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 34.75/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Los Angeles, CA to Montgomery, AL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to California, 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 112 movers licensed in Alabama, useful context for sizing up this 2,083-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Montgomery, AL, to Los Angeles, CA, 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 $2,563 - $12,108 on the 2,083-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,562 - $5,980 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,195 - $3,394 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,432 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 County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Los Angeles, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, CA?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Montgomery, AL to Los Angeles, CA?
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.
Is Los Angeles a safe place to live?
Los Angeles has a safety index of 46.19 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.81, compared to 34.75 and 65.25 in Montgomery. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a walkability score of 69 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, 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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
For families, Brentwood, Eagle Rock, and Mar Vista are worth a look in Los Angeles. If you're moving solo or without kids, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and Playa Del Rey tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.