($414+) Montgomery, AL to Tampa, FL Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Tampa, FL, runs anywhere from $414 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,818 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 482 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,197, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,818 or more.
- Moving containers run $937 - $3,062, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $414 - $1,073.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Tampa, FL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,052 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 Tampa, FL
Moving options from Montgomery to Tampa fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,052 - $5,184 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 482 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 482-mile route from Montgomery to Tampa, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,197 for a studio up to $7,818 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $937 - $3,062 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $414 - $1,073, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $843 - $2,473, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Tampa, FL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 482-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Tampa, Florida, with costs ranging from $1,197 - $7,818. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $267 - $1,780. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Montgomery and Tampa. Local movers in Montgomery typically start around $462 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,197 - $3,935
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,052 - $5,184
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,549 - $7,818
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 Tampa.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Florida. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Tampa, FL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tampa, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $445 - $4,450 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $178 - $1,068/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $267 - $2,136 |
| 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 | $890 - $2,670 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,225 - $8,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $667 - $1,266 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $890 - $2,225 |
| Piano | Any piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $712 - $3,115 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling80% of local movers | $267 - $1,335 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $579 - $1,780 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $267 - $13,350+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $267 - $3,115+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Tampa?
Look for Professional Movers Association of Florida membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Florida 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.
How much do local movers cost in Montgomery, AL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Montgomery to Tampa with a local mover averages $2,052 - $5,184. A local mover in Montgomery, AL is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Montgomery, ranked #1 in Alabama, based on our analysis of feedback from 60 customers, 63.3% of which is positive.
Address: 1285 Parker St, Montgomery, AL, 36108 | Founded: 1914
Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Tampa, FL
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Tampa, Florida, cost between $937 and $3,062. 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 Montgomery typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $937 - $1,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,152 - $2,293
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,661 - $3,062
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 $623 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 $67 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $134 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 Tampa, FL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Florida 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 $937. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,152 - $2,293, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Tampa?
- 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 Tampa, FL
Truck rentals from Montgomery, Alabama, to Tampa, Florida, range from $414 - $1,073 for the 482-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $136 - $156
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- 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 Tampa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $414 - $743
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $429 - $856
- 4+ bedrooms: $518 - $1,073
Pro tip: A rental truck from Montgomery to Tampa looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $414 - $1,073. But once you factor in fuel ($136 - $156) , overnight lodging ($134/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $134 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 $58 and $289 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $136 - $156 in fuel for the 482-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $623 in Montgomery, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Tampa?
- 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 Tampa, FL
For larger DIY moves from Montgomery, Alabama, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tampa, Florida.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,009 and $1,871.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $843 - $1,495
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,009 - $1,871
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,316 - $2,473
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 $67 - $134 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for about five hours typically runs $623.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Tampa?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- MAF Expedited Bhm Express (44/5 stars): MAF Expedited Bhm Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tampa fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs Tampa, FL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tampa, side by side with Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Montgomery, AL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 79 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $1,930/mo |
| Median home value | $146,265 | $372,114 |
| Average income | $55,687/yr | $71,302/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | None |
| Walkability score | 26/100 | 51/100 |
| Safety index | 34.75/100 | 53.85/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Tampa, FL to Montgomery, AL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Florida in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 46 movers based in Alabama, handy for sizing up options on this 482-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Montgomery, AL, to Tampa, FL, 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 $1,197 - $7,818 on the 482-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $937 - $3,062 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $414 - $1,073 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,052 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 Bloomin' Brands and Sykes Enterprises.
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Tampa, FL
Is Tampa a safe place to live?
Tampa has a safety index of 53.85 out of 100 and a crime index of 46.15, 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.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Montgomery, AL to Tampa, FL?
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. Florida also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Florida?
Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($136 - $156), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $134/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.