Montgomery, AL to Columbus, GA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Montgomery to Columbus typically costs $1,200–$3,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 81 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Montgomery to Columbus
Moving from Montgomery, AL to Columbus, GA typically costs $1,200–$3,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 81-mile move from Montgomery to Columbus, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,287 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,030 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $561 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
5+ Bedrooms
Mar 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 16, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 31, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 22, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 06, 2026
Key factors that influence moving costs from Montgomery to Columbus
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,300.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Montgomery, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($100–$200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL guide.
Best Montgomery to Columbus movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Montgomery to Columbus
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Montgomery to Columbus, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best AL→GA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 46 Alabama moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Montgomery to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Columbus runs about 24% higher for singles and 7% higher for families than Montgomery.
Singles spend around $2,041 in Columbus versus $1,651 in Montgomery; families pay $3,834 compared with $3,569.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Montgomery | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,232 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,400 |
| Average home value | $140,563 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,989 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,651 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,569 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 5.49% |
- If you're heading to Columbus from Montgomery, you'll find that rent is roughly 8% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 12% greater in Columbus than in Montgomery.
- Fortunately, the average income in Columbus and Montgomery is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 24% higher than in Montgomery. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Columbus, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 7% greater than in Montgomery.
- Columbus enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 9% lower compared to Montgomery, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 10% in Columbus compared to Montgomery, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 10% higher in Georgia than in Alabama, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Montgomery and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Montgomery | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $180.00 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.33 | $40.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.99 | $2.24 |
| Loaf of bread | $1.57 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $51.49 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.50 | $10.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Montgomery than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Montgomery than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Montgomery than in Columbus.
- Bread costs less in Montgomery than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Montgomery than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Montgomery than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Montgomery than in Columbus.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Columbus
| Montgomery | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 206,922 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 33 | 31 |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 72.18 |
| Safety index | 34.75 | 27.82 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbus's population is within about 5% of Montgomery, so they’re very similar in size.
- Columbus's public transportation score is within about 5% of Montgomery, making them very similar.
- Columbus and Montgomery are similarly walkable.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Montgomery, which has a score of 33.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Montgomery with a score of 72.18 compared to Montgomery's 65.25. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Montgomery with a score of 27.82 vs Montgomery's 34.75.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Montgomery it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Montgomery to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Georgia doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you've decided to make the move to The Lowell of the South[, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- MidTown
- Uptown
- Downtown Columbus
- Overlook
- Lakebottom
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Columbus
- Brookstone
- Green Island Hills
- MidTown
- Ivy Park
Things to do in Columbus
Once you're settled into your new home in Georgia, it's time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbus, such as the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, and Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Flat Rock Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Columbus Lions (NAL)Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Columbus?
The best time to move from Montgomery to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Montgomery.
When is the cheapest time to move from Montgomery to Columbus?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Montgomery to Columbus, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Montgomery to Columbus take?
Moving from Montgomery, AL to Columbus, GA covers 81 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Montgomery movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbus.
Which movers in Montgomery give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Montgomery?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 4 movers in Montgomery advertise piano moving expertise. 3 movers in Montgomery provide antique moving services. State totals show 34 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
