Montgomery to Birmingham Movers & Costs (2026)

The cost to move from Montgomery to Birmingham, AL is $92 - $3,990 for the ~90-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.

Local movers such as Coleman Worldwide Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 233 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $133/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.

Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.

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What are the best ways to move from Montgomery to Birmingham?

Did you know: Intrastate moves like Montgomery to Birmingham are regulated by Alabama law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Alabama intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.

This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Alabama companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.

For full-service moves, we recommend Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.56/5) as the top local pick, followed by McCorquodale Transfer (4.44/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.

Here's a closer look at each moving option:

Move type Top pick Avg. cost Best for Downside
Full-service Coleman Worldwide Moving $1,060 - $3,341 Hands-off moves (no heavy lifting or driving) Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $812 - $1,404 (approx. 30% less than full-service) Moving on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $105 - $165 (approx. 60% less than full-service) Minimizing upfront costs You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only C & R Movers, LLC $133/hr Loading help when you already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

Did you know: Most Montgomery to Birmingham moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.

Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 112+ Alabama movers reviewed.

How much does it cost to move from Montgomery to Birmingham?

Expect to spend between $92 and $3,990* on a Montgomery to Birmingham move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.

The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:

  • Full-service movers: $586 - $3,990
  • Moving containers: $648 - $1,771
  • Rental trucks: $92 - $173

What drives the cost difference?

  • Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
  • Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
  • Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive the route yourself and supply your own labor.
  • Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $586 - $2,668 $648 - $1,065 $92 - $136
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,060 - $3,341 $812 - $1,404 $105 - $165
4+ bedrooms $1,551 - $3,990 $996 - $1,771 $118 - $173

*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 112+ Alabama moving companies, and are updated as of October 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

Learn more about the cost of Montgomery, AL movers.

How Montgomery to Birmingham moving costs break down

It'll cost you about $133 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,590.

Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:

Extra cost Typical range Applies to
Professional packing $0.15 - $0.21 per lb.
9% of Montgomery movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% nationally
Full-service movers
Fuel surcharge $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) Full-service movers
Shuttle service $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) Full-service movers
Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) $75 - $500+ Full-service movers
Storage-in-transit ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) Full-service movers
Bulky-item handling $150 - $400 per item Full-service movers
Equipment rental $50 - $200 Rental trucks
Contents coverage plan 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings All move types

Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.

Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.

Best movers from Montgomery to Birmingham

Moving from Montgomery to Birmingham is a job for local and regional Alabama movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Coleman Worldwide Moving leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 233 verified customer reviews.

Best local & regional movers from Montgomery to Birmingham

Local movers operating within Alabama know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.56 / 5
  • Years in Business: 112
  • 87% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.44 / 5
  • Years in Business: 28
  • 92% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.34 / 5
  • Years in Business: 19
  • 90% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+

Our top local picks:

  1. Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.56/5 stars): 86.7% positive customer ratings.
  2. McCorquodale Transfer (4.44/5 stars): 91.5% positive customer ratings.
  3. Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.34/5 stars): 89.6% positive customer ratings.
  4. C & R Movers, LLC (4.28/5 stars): 71.2% positive customer ratings.
  5. Admiral Movers (4.26/5 stars): 95.4% positive customer ratings.

We evaluated 11 movers in Montgomery, drawing on 1,845 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.

Best national carriers from Montgomery to Birmingham

Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.

Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Our top national picks:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
  3. North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
  4. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
  5. International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.

More popular routes from Montgomery, AL

Montgomery residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.

How does Birmingham compare to Montgomery?

Cost of living: Montgomery vs. Birmingham

A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.

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%

Cost-of-living data for Montgomery and Birmingham comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated October 2026 across 112+ Alabama moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.

  • Rent prices in Birmingham match Montgomery. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
  • Home prices in Birmingham match Montgomery. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
  • Average income in Birmingham is 20% lower than Montgomery. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
  • Cost of living for one person in Birmingham is 63% higher than Montgomery. Plan to add roughly 63% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
  • Cost of living for a family of 4 in Birmingham is 88% higher than Montgomery. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
  • Unemployment rates in Birmingham and Montgomery match. Job market conditions are comparable for hiring and wage growth.
  • Sales taxes in Birmingham and Montgomery match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,890 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Montgomery.

How life is different in Montgomery vs. Birmingham

Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Birmingham might look different from Montgomery in ways that matter more once you've settled in.

Montgomery Birmingham
Population200,603196,644
Political leaningDemocratic 49.8-48.3Democratic 49.8-48.3
Summer high91ºF90ºF
Winter low35ºF32ºF
Annual rain51"56"
Annual snow0"1"
Crime index65.2561.64

Did you know: Summer moves in Alabama can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 22% of movers in Alabama, vs 23% nationally).

  • Birmingham has a similar population to Montgomery. Cost of living, job market depth, and cultural breadth, not headcount, will define the move experience.
  • In the last presidential election, both Montgomery and Birmingham voted Democratic.
  • Summer highs in Birmingham (90°F) match Montgomery (91°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
  • Winter lows in Montgomery (35°F) and Birmingham (32°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
  • Annual rainfall in Montgomery (51 inches) and Birmingham (56 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
  • Annual snowfall in Montgomery is zero, while Birmingham averages 1 inch. Budget for winter tires, snow gear, and possible heating-system upgrades.
  • Crime index in Birmingham (61.64) is lower than Montgomery (65.25). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.

Things to do in Birmingham

Birmingham's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.

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

Final verdict: Montgomery to Birmingham movers

Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Alabama service. For smaller moves, Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.56/5) is the top local choice, with 86.7% positive reviews across 233 ratings.

Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $92 - $3,990, based on our analysis of 112+ Alabama movers and 12 years of pricing data.

FAQs about moving from Montgomery to Birmingham

How many movers in Montgomery offer labor-only help?

27% of movers in Montgomery offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.

Do movers in Alabama offer storage?

60% of movers in Alabama offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Montgomery to Birmingham?

A full-service move from Montgomery to Birmingham costs $552 - $2,214 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,060 - $3,341, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,551 - $3,990.

How much are moving container companies from Montgomery to Birmingham?

Moving containers from Montgomery to Birmingham cost $419 - $1,043 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $812 - $1,404, and a larger home costs $996 - $1,771.

How much is a moving truck from Montgomery to Birmingham?

A rental truck from Montgomery to Birmingham costs $96 - $137 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $105 - $165 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $118 - $173 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.