Moving from Montgomery to Birmingham, AL
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Quick answer: Moving from Montgomery to Birmingham costs between $111 to $4,941 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 90-mile route within Alabama take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Montgomery to Birmingham
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Montgomery to Birmingham are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Montgomery to driving and unloading in Birmingham, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 90 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,262 - $3,863 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $928 - $1,778 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $119 - $212 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | McCorquodale Transfer | $133/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Montgomery to Birmingham?
It costs between $111 to $4,941 to move from Montgomery to Birmingham. The prices below break down your 90-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $684 - $4,941
- Moving containers: $728 - $2,108
- Rental trucks: $111 - $228
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $684 - $3,143 | $728 - $1,217 | $111 - $170 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,262 - $3,863 | $928 - $1,778 | $119 - $212 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,901 - $4,941 | $1,185 - $2,108 | $146 - $228 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $237 - $1,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $133/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $158 - $632 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $40 - $158 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Montgomery to Birmingham
At 90 miles, your Montgomery to Birmingham move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Montgomery to Birmingham. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Alabama, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 90 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Coleman Worldwide Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Montgomery to Birmingham. They've been in business since 1915 (111 years of experience) and 63.3% of their 60 verified reviews are positive.
More Alabama moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Birmingham to Montgomery guide.
Considerations when moving from Montgomery to Birmingham
Cost of living: Montgomery vs. Birmingham
The cost of living in Montgomery vs. Birmingham goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Birmingham stacks up against Montgomery.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Montgomery | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $146,265 | $141,615 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,687 | $44,376 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,651 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,569 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.0% | 10.0% |
- Rent prices are the same in Birmingham and Montgomery, meaning your housing budget likely won’t change much, making the financial transition smoother.
- Since home prices in Birmingham and Montgomery are about the same, your housing expenses shouldn’t see much change. That means sticking to your budget will be a lot easier.
- Income in Birmingham is 20% lower than in Montgomery. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 63% higher than in Montgomery, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Birmingham? Get ready for living expenses to be about 88% higher than in Montgomery. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Birmingham is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham and Montgomery are the same, which indicates a similar job market and employment outlook as your current hometown.
- Sales taxes are equal in Birmingham and Montgomery, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Montgomery, expect to budget around $4,890 to maintain the same lifestyle in Birmingham.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Birmingham
As you plan your move, comparing life in Montgomery vs. Birmingham is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Montgomery and Birmingham to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Montgomery | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 196,644 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 32ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 56" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 61.64 |
Birmingham sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving between Montgomery and Birmingham usually feels pretty seamless since both cities have similar populations. But don’t be fooled—while the headcount is about the same, what sets them apart is the culture, local economy, city layout, and cost of living. Those are the differences you’ll actually notice.
- The last presidential election saw both Montgomery and Birmingham siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Birmingham and Montgomery are nearly identical, with averages around 90°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Montgomery and Birmingham experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 35°F and 32°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Montgomery to Birmingham. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 51 inches in Montgomery and 56 inches in Birmingham.
- Montgomery sees no annual snowfall, while Birmingham averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Birmingham has a lower crime rate than Montgomery, with a crime index of 61.64 vs 65.25.
Things to do in Birmingham
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Birmingham has something for everyone.
Museums in Birmingham
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Vulcan Park and Museum
- McWane Science Center
- Birmingham Museum of Art
Parks in Birmingham
- Vulcan Park and Museum
- Birmingham's Railroad Park
- Kelly Ingram Park
- Red Mountain Park
- East Lake Park
Sports teams in Birmingham
- Birmingham Barons
- UAB Blazers
- Samford University teams
- Birmingham Legion FC
- Alabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball league
Universities in Birmingham
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Samford University
- Birmingham School of Law
- Miles College
- Miles Law School
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Montgomery to Birmingham?
Moving your furniture from Montgomery to Birmingham with a professional moving company usually ranges from $613 to $2,634. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,262 and $3,863. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,901 to $4,941 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Montgomery to Birmingham?
If you’re moving from Montgomery to Birmingham and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $489 to $1,168. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $928 and $1,778. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,185 to $2,108.
How much is a moving truck from Montgomery to Birmingham?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $113 and $180. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $119 to $212. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Montgomery to Birmingham, rental prices generally fall between $146 and $228.
How far in advance should I book Montgomery-to-Birmingham movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Montgomery to Birmingham at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Montgomery-to-Birmingham movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Birmingham?
If you want to save money on your move to Birmingham, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
