($691+) Montgomery, AL to Rochester, NY Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Rochester, NY, runs anywhere from $756 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,808 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,051 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,309, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,808 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,267 - $4,035, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $756 - $2,057.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Rochester, NY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,851 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Montgomery, AL to Rochester, NY
There are 3 main ways to move from Montgomery to Rochester: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,851 - $6,533. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,051 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,051-mile route from Montgomery to Rochester, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,309 - $5,512 | $1,267 - $2,406 | $756 - $1,394 | $1,151 - $2,125 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,851 - $6,533 | $1,662 - $3,093 | $808 - $1,707 | $1,216 - $2,577 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,670 - $8,808 | $2,072 - $4,035 | $1,006 - $2,057 | $1,814 - $3,329 |
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 Montgomery, AL to Rochester, NY
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,051-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Rochester, New York, with costs ranging from $2,309 - $8,808. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $249 - $1,660. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Montgomery and Rochester. Local movers in Montgomery typically start around $462 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,309 - $5,512
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,851 - $6,533
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,670 - $8,808
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 Montgomery to Rochester.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to New York. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Rochester, NY
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Rochester, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $415 - $4,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $166 - $996/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $249 - $1,992 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage60% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $830 - $2,490 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,075 - $8,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $622 - $1,181 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $830 - $2,075 |
| Piano | Any piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $664 - $2,905 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling80% of local movers | $249 - $1,245 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $540 - $1,660 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $249 - $12,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $249 - $2,905+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Rochester?
All three below meet the standards set by the New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most New York movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Montgomery, AL. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Rochester, NY
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Rochester, New York, cost between $1,267 and $4,035. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Montgomery typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,267 - $2,406
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,662 - $3,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,072 - $4,035
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $62 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $125 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $581 in Montgomery, AL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Rochester, NY, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to New York move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,267. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,662 - $3,093, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery to Rochester?
- 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery:
- McCorquodale Transfer (5.0/5), 28 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Rochester, NY
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,051 miles from Montgomery, Alabama, to Rochester, New York, running $756 - $2,057. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $278 - $317
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Montgomery 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 Montgomery to Rochester based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $756 - $1,394
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $808 - $1,707
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,006 - $2,057
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Montgomery to Rochester starts at $756 - $2,057, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($278 - $317) , overnight lodging ($125/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $125 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Montgomery, Alabama, usually costs about $581 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,051-mile drive falls between $278 and $317, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $42 and $249 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery to Rochester?
- 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 Montgomery, AL to Rochester, NY
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Montgomery, Alabama, to Rochester, New York, 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 $1,216 and $2,577.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,125
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,216 - $2,577
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,814 - $3,329
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Montgomery, Alabama, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $581.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $62 - $125 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Rochester?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- MAF Expedited Bhm Express (4/5 stars): MAF Expedited Bhm Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Montgomery to Rochester, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Montgomery, AL vs Rochester, NY
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Montgomery and Rochester to plan around. Cost of living index: 79 vs. 89. Average rent: $1,200/mo vs. $1,250/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 26 vs. 61. Safety index: 34.75 vs. 36.66.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Rochester, NY to Montgomery, AL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to New York, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 46 movers licensed in Alabama, useful context for sizing up this 1,051-mile move.
Our take
A move from Montgomery, AL, to Rochester, NY, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,309 - $8,808 on the 1,051-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,267 - $4,035, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $756 - $2,057. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,851 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Wegmans Food Markets and Paychex.
FAQs: Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Rochester, NY
What is the best time of year to move from Montgomery, AL to Rochester, NY?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. New York also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 Rochester a safe place to live?
Rochester has a safety index of 36.66 out of 100 and a crime index of 37.54, compared to 34.75 and 65.25 in Montgomery. 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 Montgomery, AL to Rochester, NY?
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 $808 - $1,707. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Rochester?
For families, Cobbs Hill, Upper Monroe, and Strong are worth a look in Rochester. If you're moving solo or without kids, East Avenue, Swillburg, and South Wedge tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 80% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
