($1,463+) Montgomery, AL to Sacramento, CA Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Sacramento, CA, runs anywhere from $1,406 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,204 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,416 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,730, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,204 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,796 - $6,420, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,406 - $3,930.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Sacramento, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,088 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Montgomery, AL to Sacramento, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Montgomery to Sacramento: 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 $4,088 - $7,872. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 18 days for this 2,416-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 2,416-mile route from Montgomery to Sacramento, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,730 - $6,056 | $1,796 - $3,651 | $1,406 - $2,857 | $1,583 - $3,350 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,088 - $7,872 | $2,375 - $4,978 | $1,553 - $3,140 | $1,823 - $4,182 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,384 - $13,204 | $3,431 - $6,420 | $2,039 - $3,930 | $2,745 - $5,514 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Sacramento, CA
For the 2,416-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Sacramento, California, full-service movers cost between $2,730 and $13,204. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $295 - $1,964 (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 Montgomery generally start around $462 plus $133 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,730 - $6,056
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,088 - $7,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,384 - $13,204
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 Sacramento.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to California. 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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Sacramento, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Sacramento, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $491 - $4,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $196 - $1,178/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $295 - $2,357 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage60% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $982 - $2,946 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,455 - $9,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $736 - $1,397 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $982 - $2,455 |
| Piano | Any piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $786 - $3,437 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling80% of local movers | $295 - $1,473 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $638 - $1,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $295 - $14,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $295 - $3,437+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Sacramento?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Montgomery, 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 Montgomery, AL to Sacramento, CA
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Sacramento, California, cost between $1,796 and $6,420. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Sacramento. If you go over that window, storage in Montgomery adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,796 - $3,651
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,375 - $4,978
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,431 - $6,420
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Montgomery, AL and Sacramento, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $687 in Montgomery, AL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $147 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,796. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,375 - $4,978, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Sacramento?
- 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:
- McCorquodale Transfer (5.0/5), 28 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Sacramento, CA
Truck rentals from Montgomery, Alabama, to Sacramento, California, range from $1,406 - $3,930 for the 2,416-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $755 - $863
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Sacramento based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,406 - $2,857
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,553 - $3,140
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,039 - $3,930
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Montgomery to Sacramento starts at $1,406 - $3,930, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($755 - $863) , overnight lodging ($147/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $147 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $64 and $319 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $755 - $863 in fuel for the 2,416-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $687 in Montgomery, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Sacramento?
- 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 Sacramento, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Montgomery, Alabama, to Sacramento, California. 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 $884 and $4,182.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,583 - $3,350
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,823 - $4,182
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,745 - $5,514
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?
- 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 Montgomery, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $687.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $74 and $147 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Sacramento?
- 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.
- MAF Expedited Bhm Express (4/5 stars): MAF Expedited Bhm Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Montgomery to Sacramento. 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: Montgomery, AL vs Sacramento, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Sacramento, side by side with Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Montgomery, AL | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 79 | 127 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $1,899/mo |
| Median home value | $146,265 | $483,739 |
| Average income | $55,687/yr | $83,753/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 7.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 26/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 34.75/100 | 50.79/100 |
| 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 Sacramento, 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 46 movers licensed in Alabama, useful context for sizing up this 2,416-mile move.
Our take
The 2,416-mile move from Montgomery, AL, to Sacramento, CA, costs between $2,730 and $13,204 with full-service movers, $1,796 - $6,420 with a moving container, and $1,406 - $3,930 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $4,088 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sutter Health and SynGen.
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Sacramento, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Montgomery, AL to Sacramento, 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.
What do local movers charge in Montgomery?
Local movers based in Montgomery typically start around $462 as a base rate, plus $133/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 Sacramento run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Montgomery, AL to Sacramento, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Sacramento?
For families, Boulevard Park, River Park, and Land Park are worth a look in Sacramento. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Sacramento, East Sacramento, and Land Park tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Montgomery, AL to Sacramento, CA?
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 $1,553 - $3,140. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 80% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.