($1,366+) Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL Movers
The cost to move from Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL ranges from $1,233 to $12,217, with an average cost of $4,150. Moves can be as low as $1,366 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,410 miles and usually takes 7 to 18 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 Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL
Moving options from Sacramento to Montgomery fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,233 - $12,217 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,150, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 56% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,410 miles and typically takes 7 to 18 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,410-mile route from Sacramento to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,233 - $5,893 with full-service movers, $1,694 - $3,377 with a container, $1,286 - $2,643 with a rental truck, or $1,493 - $3,069 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,458 - $7,596 full-service, $2,263 - $4,789 by container, $1,523 - $3,209 by rental truck, or $1,756 - $3,794 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,769 - $12,217 full-service, $3,112 - $6,692 by container, $1,887 - $3,971 by rental truck, or $2,614 - $5,252 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 Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL
For the 2,410-mile move from Sacramento, California, to Montgomery, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $1,233 and $12,217. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $323 - $2,156 (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 Sacramento generally start around $287 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sacramento to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,233 - $5,893
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,458 - $7,596
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,769 - $12,217
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 Sacramento to Montgomery.
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 Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Sacramento 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 packing78% of local movers | $539 - $5,390 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $216 - $1,294/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $323 - $2,587 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,078 - $3,234 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,695 - $10,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $807 - $1,534 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Fuller Moving Services | $1,078 - $2,695 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $862 - $3,773 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $323 - $1,617 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: A Better Moving | $701 - $2,156 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $323 - $16,170+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $323 - $3,773+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sacramento to Montgomery?
All three below meet the standards set by the Alabama Trucking Association, the group most Alabama 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 Sacramento, CA. 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 Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Sacramento, California, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,694 and $6,692. 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 Sacramento typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sacramento to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,694 - $3,377
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,263 - $4,789
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,112 - $6,692
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $81 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $162 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Montgomery, AL, 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 $755 in Sacramento, CA. 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.
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 $1,694. 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 $2,263 - $4,789.
What are the best moving containers Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento:
- Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.6/5), 21 years in business
- Premium Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
- House to Home Moving (4.8/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL
Plan on $1,286 - $3,971 for a rental moving truck on the 2,410-mile route from Sacramento, California, to Montgomery, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $827 - $945
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Sacramento daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $0.89
| 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 Sacramento to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,286 - $2,643
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,523 - $3,209
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,887 - $3,971
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,286 - $3,971 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Sacramento to Montgomery. Fuel ($827 - $945), lodging at around $162/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $162 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 Sacramento, California, usually costs about $755 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,410-mile drive falls between $827 and $945, 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 $54 and $323 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Sacramento, 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 $970 and $3,794.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sacramento to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,493 - $3,069
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,756 - $3,794
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,614 - $5,252
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $81 - $162 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Sacramento, California, for about five hours typically runs $755.
What are the best freight companies from Sacramento to Montgomery?
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Sacramento to Montgomery, 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: Sacramento, 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 Sacramento on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 127 | 79 |
| Average rent | $1,899/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Median home value | $483,739 | $146,265 |
| Average income | $83,753/yr | $55,687/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 49/100 | 26/100 |
| Safety index | 50.79/100 | 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 Sacramento, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Alabama over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,410-mile move.
Our take
The 2,410-mile move from Sacramento, CA, to Montgomery, AL, costs between $1,233 and $12,217 with full-service movers, $1,694 - $6,692 with a moving container, and $1,286 - $3,971 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 $3,458 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 Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Sacramento, CA, to Montgomery, AL
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 walkable is Montgomery?
Montgomery has a walkability score of 26 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 33, compared to 49 and 67 in Sacramento. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 50.79 and 49.21 in Sacramento. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Sacramento, CA to Montgomery, AL?
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. Alabama 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 percentage of Sacramento movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Sacramento handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.