($1,146+) Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,146 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,581 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,054 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 $2,477, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,581 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,649 - $5,701, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,146 - $3,392.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,632 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 Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham to Missoula: 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 $3,632 - $7,630. Moving containers run about 41% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 65% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 6 to 17 days for this 2,054-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 2,054-mile route from Birmingham to Missoula, 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 $2,477 - $5,588 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,649 - $3,165), rental truck ($1,146 - $2,258), or freight trailer ($1,456 - $2,794). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,632 - $7,630 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,581.
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 Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers for the 2,054-mile relocation from Birmingham, Alabama, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $2,477 and $11,581. 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 $292 - $1,948, 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 Birmingham typically charge a base rate around $310 plus $175 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,477 - $5,588
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,632 - $7,630
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,742 - $11,581
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 Birmingham to Missoula.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Missoula, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing63% of local movers | $487 - $4,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $195 - $1,169/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,338 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $974 - $2,922 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,435 - $9,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $730 - $1,386 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $974 - $2,435 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $779 - $3,409 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling5% of local movers | $292 - $1,461 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc | $633 - $1,948 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,409+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Missoula?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Birmingham, AL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,649 and $5,701. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Birmingham typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,649 - $3,165
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,133 - $4,438
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,010 - $5,701
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 Birmingham, AL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $682, 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 $73 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $146 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Birmingham, AL, and Missoula, MT, 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.
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 $1,649. 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 $2,133 - $4,438.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Missoula?
- 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:
- New Latitude Movers (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- Changing Spaces Moving Inc (4.9/5), 22 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Plan on $1,146 - $3,392 for a rental moving truck on the 2,054-mile route from Birmingham, Alabama, to Missoula, Montana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $637 - $727
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,146 - $2,258
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,254 - $2,606
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,648 - $3,392
Pro tip: A rental truck from Birmingham to Missoula looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,146 - $3,392. But once you factor in fuel ($637 - $727), overnight lodging ($146/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $682.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $637 - $727 for the 2,054-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $317, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 2,054-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $292 - $438.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Missoula?
- 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 Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Birmingham, Alabama, to Missoula, Montana. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,757 and $3,551.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,456 - $2,794
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,757 - $3,551
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,179 - $4,422
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?
- 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 $73 - $146 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for about five hours typically runs $682.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Birmingham to Missoula. 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: Birmingham, AL vs Missoula, MT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Missoula, side by side with Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $141,615 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $44,376/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 38.36/100 | 66.73/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 1 real quote from Alabama to Montana, 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 2,054-mile move.
Our take
A move from Birmingham, AL, to Missoula, MT, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,477 - $11,581 on the 2,054-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,649 - $5,701, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,146 - $3,392. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,632 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Missoula, MT
How do I know a mover is licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
What do local movers charge in Birmingham?
Local movers based in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate, plus $175/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 Missoula 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 Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $1,146 to $11,581, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,477 and $11,581, 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 Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT?
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 $1,254 - $2,606. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.