($1,238+) Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,251 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,618 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,054 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,728, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,618 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,660 - $5,851, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,251 - $3,414.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,581 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Birmingham to Missoula 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 $3,581 - $7,913 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 2,054 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,054-mile route from Birmingham to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,728 - $5,679 with full-service movers, $1,660 - $3,283 with a container, $1,251 - $2,485 with a rental truck, or $1,449 - $2,811 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,581 - $7,913 full-service, $2,191 - $4,514 by container, $1,327 - $2,873 by rental truck, or $1,700 - $3,648 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,273 - $12,618 full-service, $2,973 - $5,851 by container, $1,777 - $3,414 by rental truck, or $2,330 - $4,632 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,054-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Missoula, Montana, with costs ranging from $2,728 - $12,618. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $292 - $1,948. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Birmingham and Missoula. Local movers in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,728 - $5,679
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,581 - $7,913
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,273 - $12,618
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 Birmingham to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Missoula, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $487 - $4,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $195 - $1,169/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,338 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $974 - $2,922 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,435 - $9,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $730 - $1,386 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $974 - $2,435 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $779 - $3,409 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $292 - $1,461 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy | $633 - $1,948 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,409+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Missoula?
- 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Birmingham, AL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,660 and $5,851. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Missoula. If you go over that window, storage in Birmingham adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,660 - $3,283
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,191 - $4,514
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,973 - $5,851
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $73 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $146 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Missoula, MT, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $682 in Birmingham, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,660. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,191 - $4,514, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Missoula?
- 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:
- Secure Moving, Inc (4.8/5), 29 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 14 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Renting a moving truck for the 2,054-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $1,251 and $3,414, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $637 - $727
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,251 - $2,485
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,327 - $2,873
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,777 - $3,414
Pro tip: A rental truck from Birmingham to Missoula looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,251 - $3,414. But once you factor in fuel ($637 - $727) , overnight lodging ($146/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 $146 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 $63 and $317 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $637 - $727 in fuel for the 2,054-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $682 in Birmingham, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Missoula?
- 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 Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Birmingham, Alabama, to Missoula, Montana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,700 and $3,648.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,449 - $2,811
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,700 - $3,648
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,330 - $4,632
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $682.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $73 and $146 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Missoula 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: Birmingham, AL vs Missoula, MT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Missoula, side by side with Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $141,615 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $44,376/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 38.36/100 | 66.73/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Missoula, MT to Birmingham, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Alabama to Montana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Alabama alone has 46 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,054-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 2,054-mile move from Birmingham, AL, to Missoula, MT, costs between $2,728 and $12,618 with full-service movers, $1,660 - $5,851 with a moving container, and $1,251 - $3,414 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,581 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Missoula, MT
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.
Is Missoula a safe place to live?
Missoula has a safety index of 66.73 out of 100 and a crime index of 33.27, compared to 38.36 and 61.64 in Birmingham. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,327 - $2,873. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Missoula?
For families, Lewis And Clark, Rose Park, and Miller Creek are worth a look in Missoula. If you're moving solo or without kids, Heart Of Missoula, Lewis And Clark, and Farviews And Pattee tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Birmingham, AL to Missoula, MT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
