($1,202+) Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL Movers
The cost to move from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL ranges from $1,250 to $10,734, with an average cost of $3,950. Moves can be as low as $1,202 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,030 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL
Moving options from Riverside to Montgomery fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,250 - $10,734 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,030 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,030-mile route from Riverside to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,250 - $5,333 with full-service movers, $1,523 - $2,894 with a container, $1,213 - $2,140 with a rental truck, or $1,371 - $2,849 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,373 - $7,243 full-service, $2,156 - $4,438 by container, $1,276 - $2,760 by rental truck, or $1,625 - $3,483 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,447 - $10,734 full-service, $2,728 - $5,648 by container, $1,610 - $3,120 by rental truck, or $2,228 - $4,655 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL
For the 2,030-mile move from Riverside, California, to Montgomery, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $1,250 and $10,734. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $331 - $2,204 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Riverside generally start around $239 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Riverside to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,250 - $5,333
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,373 - $7,243
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,447 - $10,734
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 Riverside to Montgomery.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Riverside movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Montgomery, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $551 - $5,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Burgess Moving and Storage | $220 - $1,322/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $331 - $2,645 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,102 - $3,306 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,755 - $11,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $825 - $1,568 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $1,102 - $2,755 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company | $882 - $3,857 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $331 - $1,653 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $716 - $2,204 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $331 - $16,530+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $331 - $3,857+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Riverside to Montgomery?
Movers licensed to operate in Alabama are typically members of the Alabama Trucking Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Riverside, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Riverside, California, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,523 and $5,648. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Riverside typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Riverside to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,523 - $2,894
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,156 - $4,438
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,728 - $5,648
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Riverside, CA and Montgomery, AL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $771 in Riverside, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $83 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $165 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Alabama 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 $1,523. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,156 - $4,438.
What are the best moving containers Riverside to Montgomery?
- 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 Riverside 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 Riverside:
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- JFK Moving Company (4.8/5), 6 years in business
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL
Renting a moving truck for the 2,030-mile move from Riverside, California, to Montgomery, Alabama, costs between $1,213 and $3,120, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $712 - $813
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Riverside daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Riverside to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,213 - $2,140
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,276 - $2,760
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,610 - $3,120
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,213 - $3,120 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Riverside to Montgomery. Fuel ($712 - $813), lodging at around $165/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Riverside, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $771.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $712 - $813 for the 2,030-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $66 and $358, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $165 per night for hotel stops on the 2,030-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $331 - $496.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Riverside to Montgomery?
- 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 Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Riverside, California, to Montgomery, Alabama. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $992 and $3,483.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Riverside to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,371 - $2,849
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,625 - $3,483
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,228 - $4,655
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Riverside, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $771.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $83 - $165 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 Riverside to Montgomery?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Riverside to Montgomery. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Riverside, CA vs Montgomery, AL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Montgomery, side by side with Riverside on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Riverside, CA | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 131 | 79 |
| Average rent | $2,295/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Median home value | $539,898 | $146,265 |
| Average income | $88,575/yr | $55,687/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 26/100 |
| Safety index | 59.76/100 | 34.75/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Montgomery, AL to Riverside, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Alabama, 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. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,030-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,030-mile route from Riverside, CA, to Montgomery, AL, run $1,250 - $10,734 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,523 - $5,648, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,213 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,373, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Riverside, CA, to Montgomery, AL
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Montgomery a safe place to live?
Montgomery has a safety index of 34.75 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.25, compared to 59.76 and 40.24 in Riverside. 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 Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL?
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 $1,276 - $2,760. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Montgomery?
For families, Dalraida, Forest Park, and Hillwood are worth a look in Montgomery. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cloverdale/Idlewild, Old Cloverdale, and EastChase tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Riverside, CA to Montgomery, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 Riverside movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Riverside handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.