Moving from Montgomery to Huntsville, AL
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Quick answer: Moving from Montgomery to Huntsville costs between $258 to $6,322 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 189-mile route within Alabama take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Montgomery to Huntsville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Montgomery to Huntsville 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 Huntsville, 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 189 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,661 - $4,850 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,172 - $2,155 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $269 - $476 | 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 Huntsville?
It costs between $258 to $6,322 to move from Montgomery to Huntsville. The prices below break down your 189-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $958 - $6,322
- Moving containers: $939 - $2,705
- Rental trucks: $258 - $603
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $958 - $3,997 | $939 - $1,576 | $258 - $403 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,661 - $4,850 | $1,172 - $2,155 | $269 - $476 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,309 - $6,322 | $1,517 - $2,705 | $330 - $603 |
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 Huntsville
At 189 miles, your Montgomery to Huntsville 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 Huntsville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Alabama, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 189 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Coleman Worldwide Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Montgomery to Huntsville. 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 Huntsville to Montgomery guide.
Considerations when moving from Montgomery to Huntsville
Cost of living: Montgomery vs. Huntsville
Comparing life in Montgomery and Huntsville goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Huntsville stacks up against Montgomery.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Montgomery | Huntsville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,409 |
| Average home cost | $146,265 | $260,899 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,687 | $70,778 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,651 | $3,133 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,569 | $4,140 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 3.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.0% | 9.0% |
- Rent prices in Huntsville are 17% higher than in Montgomery. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Huntsville are 78% higher than in Montgomery. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Huntsville is 27% higher than in Montgomery, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 90% higher in Huntsville compared to Montgomery. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Huntsville, expect living costs to be about 16% higher than in Montgomery. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Huntsville a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 47% lower than in Montgomery, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- In Huntsville, sales taxes are 10% lower than in Montgomery, which means your budget for dining, shopping, and household purchases may stretch further.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Montgomery, you’d need roughly $5,700 to maintain the same lifestyle in Huntsville.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Huntsville
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Huntsville compared to Montgomery. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Montgomery | Huntsville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 241,114 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 64.8-34.2 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 55" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 2" |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 42.55 |
Huntsville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Huntsville is approximately 20% greater than the population of Montgomery. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- Montgomery and Huntsville both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Montgomery and Huntsville won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 90°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Montgomery and Huntsville experience similar lows—expect 35°F in Montgomery and 30°F in Huntsville.
- Both Montgomery and Huntsville experience similar annual rainfall, with Montgomery receiving 51 inches and Huntsville getting 55 inches.
- Montgomery sees no annual snowfall, while Huntsville averages about 2 inches per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- You’ll feel safer in Huntsville, thanks to its lower crime index (42.55) compared to Montgomery (65.25).
Things to do in Huntsville
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Huntsville.
Museums in Huntsville
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center
- U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
- Huntsville Museum of Art
- Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment
- Earlyworks Museum Complex
Parks in Huntsville
- Big Spring Park
- Dog Spot dog park
- Bicentennial Park
- California Street Park
- Mayfair Park
Sports teams in Huntsville
- Huntsville Havoc (SPHL)
- North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL)
- Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA)
- Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League)
Universities in Huntsville
- Alabama A&M University
- J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College
- Oakwood University
- University of Alabama in Huntsville
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Montgomery to Huntsville?
Shipping furniture from Montgomery to Huntsville with a mover will cost between $859 and $3,445. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,661–$4,850, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Montgomery to Huntsville will cost from $2,309–$6,322.
How much are moving container companies from Montgomery to Huntsville?
If you're moving from Montgomery to Huntsville and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $676 to $1,581. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,172 and $2,155. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,517 up to $2,705.
How much is a moving truck from Montgomery to Huntsville?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $255 and $424. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $269 to $476. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Montgomery to Huntsville, truck rental prices typically range from $330 up to $603.
How far in advance should I book Montgomery-to-Huntsville movers?
For a smooth move from Montgomery to Huntsville, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Huntsville?
To score the best moving deals to Huntsville, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
