Montgomery, AL to Riverside, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Montgomery to Riverside typically costs $4,100–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,031 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Montgomery to Riverside

Moving from Montgomery, AL to Riverside, CA typically costs $4,100–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,031-mile move from Montgomery to Riverside, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,800 - $6,300
  • Moving Container $1,900 - $3,500
  • Rental Truck $1,400 - $2,400
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $4,100 - $8,500
  • Moving Container $2,300 - $4,700
  • Rental Truck $1,500 - $3,200
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $7,700 - $13,400
  • Moving Container $3,100 - $6,700
  • Rental Truck $1,900 - $3,700

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,248 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
  • 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,847 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
  • United Van Lines recently quoted $7,259 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
BLVD Moving
Pike Road, AL Whitewater, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Jan 19, 2026
1-800-Pack-Rat
Hayneville, AL Whittier, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Jan 13, 2026
United Van Lines
Union Springs, AL Colton, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 08, 2026
Roadway Moving
Franklin, AL Costa Mesa, CA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 03, 2026
Budget Truck Rental
Billingsley, AL Grand Terrace, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Jan 01, 2026
AB Moving
Millbrook, AL Valinda, CA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 28, 2025
PODS
Redland, AL Avocado Heights, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Dec 25, 2025
Safeway Moving
Wetumpka, AL La Palma, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 23, 2025
Joyce Van Lines
White Hall, AL Covina, CA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 01, 2025
North American Van Lines
Montgomery, AL Diamond Bar, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Nov 25, 2025

Key factors that impact the cost of your Montgomery to Riverside move

Your total cost will depend on:

  • Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,800 for a one-bedroom, or up to $13,400 for a four-bedroom.
  • The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Montgomery.
  • DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,400 to $3,700, but require more effort than hiring movers.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL guide.

Best Montgomery to Riverside movers by type

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Professional
Local Movers Icon
Local
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Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from Montgomery to Riverside

Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Montgomery to Riverside 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.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best AL→CA movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 46 Alabama 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 Montgomery to Riverside

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Riverside runs about 56% higher for singles and 57% higher for families than Montgomery.

Singles spend around $2,573 in Riverside versus $1,651 in Montgomery; families pay $5,604 compared with $3,569.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Montgomery Riverside
Average 1 BR rent $1,232 $2,163
Average 3 BR rent $1,567 $3,270
Average home value $140,563 $642,297
Average income (per capita) $49,989 $76,755
Cost of living (single) $1,651 $2,573
Cost of living (family of four) $3,569 $5,604
Unemployment rate 5.8% 7.1%
Sales tax 10.0% 8.75%
State income tax 5.0% 13.3%
  • Planning a move to Riverside? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 91% higher than in Montgomery, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
  • Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Riverside are about 357% higher than those in Montgomery.
  • Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 54% higher in Riverside compared to Montgomery, which might allow for more savings or investments.
  • Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Riverside, as living costs for a single person are 56% higher than in Montgomery. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
  • If you're moving your family to Riverside, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 57% higher than in Montgomery.
  • Riverside shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Montgomery by around 22%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
  • Sales taxes are 13% less in Riverside relative to Montgomery. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
  • Income taxes in California are 166% above those in Alabama. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Montgomery and Riverside:

Living Expense Montgomery Riverside
Basic utilities $180.00 $226.85
Cell phone plan $50.33 $46.50
Dozen eggs $3.99 $5.45
Loaf of bread $1.57 $4.02
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $16.50 $19.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $51.49 $85.00
Gym membership $37.50 $35.00
  • Basic utilities cost less in Montgomery than in Riverside, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Montgomery than in Riverside.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Montgomery than in Riverside.
  • Bread costs less in Montgomery than in Riverside.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Montgomery than in Riverside.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Montgomery than in Riverside.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Montgomery than in Riverside.

How life is different in Montgomery vs. Riverside

Montgomery Riverside
Population 200,603 317,261
Transportation score 2 5
Walkability score 26 43
Bike friendliness score 33 49
Crime index 65.25 40.24
Safety index 34.75 59.76
Air quality Moderate Moderate
  • Riverside's population is about 58% greater than Montgomery.
  • Riverside's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Montgomery's score of 2.
  • Riverside is more walkable than Montgomery with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Montgomery's 26 out of 100.
  • With a score of 49 out of 100, Riverside is more bike-friendly than Montgomery, which has a score of 33 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Riverside's crime rate is lower than Montgomery with a score of 40.24 compared to Montgomery's 65.25. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25%.
  • Riverside is considered to be safer than Montgomery with a safety index of 59.76 vs Montgomery's 34.75.
  • Air quality in Riverside is Moderate, and in Montgomery it's Moderate.

Other things to consider for your Montgomery to Riverside 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
  • Moving Permits: California 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 Riverside. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Riverside

Planning your move to City of Arts and Innovation? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Riverside.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Canyon Crest
  • Victoria
  • Downtown
  • Magnolia Center
  • La Sierra South

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Orangecrest
  • Mission Grove
  • Canyon Crest
  • Alessandro Heights
  • Victoria

Things to do in Riverside

After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Riverside has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Riverside features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, and Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio 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 California Baptist Lancers (College sports)UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Riverside?

Planning your move from Montgomery to Riverside? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Montgomery.

When is the cheapest time to move from Montgomery to Riverside?

Because most people are moving from Montgomery to Riverside 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 Montgomery to Riverside take?

The 2,031-mile journey from Montgomery, AL to Riverside, CA, typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Montgomery offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Riverside.

Are there special savings available from movers in Montgomery?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs.

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 Montgomery?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Montgomery, 4 movers can manage piano relocations. 3 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Alabama has 34 piano movers and 15 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.