($1,380+) San Francisco, CA to Montgomery, AL Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Montgomery, AL ranges from $1,246 to $12,100, with an average cost of $4,150. Moves can be as low as $1,380 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,414 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.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to Montgomery, AL
Moving options from San Francisco to Montgomery fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,246 - $12,100 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 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 61% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,414 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 2,414-mile route from San Francisco to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,246 for a studio up to $12,100 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,746 - $6,182 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,366 - $3,631, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,587 - $5,150, billed by the space you actually use.
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 San Francisco, CA to Montgomery, AL
Full-service movers for the 2,414-mile relocation from San Francisco, California, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,246 and $12,100. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $536 - $3,572, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in San Francisco typically charge a base rate around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,246 - $5,723
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,602 - $7,295
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,566 - $12,100
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 San Francisco to Montgomery.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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 San Francisco, CA to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco 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 packing76% of local movers | $893 - $8,930 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $357 - $2,143/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $536 - $4,286 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,786 - $5,358 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,465 - $17,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,338 - $2,541 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,786 - $4,465 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,429 - $6,251 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $536 - $2,679 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,161 - $3,572 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $536 - $26,790+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $536 - $6,251+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in San Francisco, CA, 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 San Francisco, CA to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,746 and $6,182. 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 San Francisco typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,746 - $3,176
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,308 - $4,507
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,112 - $6,182
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $134 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $268 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 $1,250 in San Francisco, CA, 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 Montgomery, AL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,746. 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 $2,308 - $4,507.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Montgomery, AL
Plan on $1,366 - $3,631 for a rental moving truck on the 2,414-mile route from San Francisco, California, to Montgomery, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,372 - $1,568
- Daily insurance: $54/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $36
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,366 - $2,591
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $3,085
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,923 - $3,631
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,366 - $3,631 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Francisco to Montgomery. Fuel ($1,372 - $1,568), lodging at around $268/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 San Francisco, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,250.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,372 - $1,568 for the 2,414-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 $107 and $580, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $268 per night for hotel stops on the 2,414-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $536 - $804.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA to Montgomery, AL
For larger DIY moves from San Francisco, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Montgomery, Alabama.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,883 and $3,944.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,587 - $3,039
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,883 - $3,944
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,414 - $5,150
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $134 and $268.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for roughly five hours typically average $1,250.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Montgomery?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Montgomery quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: San Francisco, 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 San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 79 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $146,265 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $55,687/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 26/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 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 San Francisco, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Alabama in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 2,414-mile route.
Our take
A move from San Francisco, CA, to Montgomery, AL, 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 $1,246 - $12,100 on the 2,414-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,746 - $6,182, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,366 - $3,631. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,602 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 Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Montgomery, AL
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Montgomery, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 18 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 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, 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 $1,392 - $3,085. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 38.59 and 61.41 in San Francisco. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.