($1,169+) Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Birmingham, AL, runs anywhere from $1,169 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,302 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,046 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 $2,794, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $13,302 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,686 - $5,831, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,169 - $3,322.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Birmingham, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,056 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 Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to Birmingham: 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 $4,056 - $8,276. Moving containers run about 50% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 70% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 6 to 17 days for this 2,046-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 2,046-mile route from Missoula to Birmingham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,794 - $6,413 | $1,686 - $3,112 | $1,169 - $2,301 | $1,388 - $2,801 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,056 - $8,276 | $2,016 - $4,363 | $1,215 - $2,712 | $1,645 - $3,319 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,450 - $13,302 | $2,904 - $5,831 | $1,630 - $3,322 | $2,186 - $4,803 |
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 Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL
For the 2,046-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Birmingham, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $2,794 and $13,302. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $308 - $2,052 (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 Missoula generally start around $342 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,794 - $6,413
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,056 - $8,276
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,450 - $13,302
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 Missoula to Birmingham.
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 Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Birmingham, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $513 - $5,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $205 - $1,231/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $308 - $2,462 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,026 - $3,078 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,565 - $10,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $768 - $1,460 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,026 - $2,565 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $821 - $3,591 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $308 - $1,539 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $667 - $2,052 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $308 - $15,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $308 - $3,591+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Birmingham?
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.
- 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Missoula, MT. 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 Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Birmingham, Alabama, cost between $1,686 and $5,831. 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 Missoula costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,686 - $3,112
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,016 - $4,363
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,904 - $5,831
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Missoula, MT and Birmingham, AL. 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 $718 in Missoula, MT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $154 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.
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 $1,686. 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 $2,016 - $4,363.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Birmingham?
- 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 Missoula 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 Missoula:
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL
Truck rentals from Missoula, Montana, to Birmingham, Alabama, range from $1,169 - $3,322 for the 2,046-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $668 - $763
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.09
| 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 Missoula to Birmingham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,169 - $2,301
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,215 - $2,712
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,630 - $3,322
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,169 - $3,322 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Missoula to Birmingham. Fuel ($668 - $763), lodging at around $154/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 $77 and $359.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $154.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $668 and $763 for the 2,046-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 $718 for 2 movers in Missoula, Montana, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Birmingham?
- 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 Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL
If you're moving a larger household from Missoula, Montana, 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 Birmingham, Alabama.
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 $1,645 and $3,319.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Birmingham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,388 - $2,801
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,645 - $3,319
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,186 - $4,803
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 $77 - $154 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Missoula, Montana, for about five hours typically runs $718.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Birmingham?
- 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: If speed matters on your move from Missoula to Birmingham, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Birmingham, AL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Birmingham, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 87 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $141,615 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $44,376/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 38.36/100 |
| 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 Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quote from Montana 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 19 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 2,046-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Missoula, MT, to Birmingham, 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 $2,794 - $13,302 on the 2,046-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,686 - $5,831 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,169 - $3,322 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,056 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 Encompass Health and Regions Bank.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Birmingham, AL
What are the best neighborhoods in Birmingham?
For families, Oxmoor, Crestwood South, and Redmont Park are worth a look in Birmingham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central City, Five Points South, and Highland Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 do local movers charge in Missoula?
Local movers based in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate, plus $150/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 Birmingham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,169 to $13,302, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,794 and $13,302, 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 percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 25% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.