San Jose, CA to Montgomery, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Jose to Montgomery typically costs $3,900–$8,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,372 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Jose to Montgomery
Moving from San Jose, CA to Montgomery, AL typically costs $3,900–$8,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,372-mile move from San Jose to Montgomery, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $3,038 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,102 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $10,431 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Mar 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 26, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 23, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 19, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 26, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 20, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from San Jose to Montgomery
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Jose to Montgomery may only cost $2,900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $13,800.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Jose.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,400–$4,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Montgomery, AL to San Jose, CA guide.
Best San Jose to Montgomery movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from San Jose to Montgomery
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from San Jose to Montgomery. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→AL movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Jose to Montgomery
Many movers find Montgomery easier on the wallet than San Jose - roughly 55% less for singles and 57% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,651 for one person in Montgomery versus $3,674 in San Jose. For a family of four, it's $3,569 compared with $8,354.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Jose | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,027 | $1,232 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,240 | $1,567 |
| Average home value | $1,453,657 | $140,563 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $49,989 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,674 | $1,651 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,354 | $3,569 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.38% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.0% |
- Rent is about 61% less expensive in Montgomery than in San Jose, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 90% cheaper in Montgomery than in San Jose.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 40% less in Montgomery than in San Jose.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Montgomery. The cost of living for a single person there is 55% below that of San Jose.
- A move to Montgomery can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 57% lower compared to San Jose.
- Montgomery has a lower unemployment rate than San Jose by about 12%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Montgomery surpass those in San Jose by 7%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 62% less in Alabama compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in San Jose versus Montgomery:
| Living Expense | San Jose | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $293.08 | $180.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.44 | $50.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.80 | $3.99 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.93 | $1.57 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.50 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $51.49 |
| Gym membership | $123.75 | $37.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Jose than in Montgomery.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Jose than in Montgomery.
- Eggs cost more in San Jose than in Montgomery.
- Bread is more expensive in San Jose than in Montgomery.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Jose than in Montgomery.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Jose than in Montgomery.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Jose than in Montgomery.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Montgomery
| San Jose | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 200,603 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 33 |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 65.25 |
| Safety index | 52.27 | 34.75 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Montgomery's population is about 79% less than San Jose.
- Montgomery's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than San Jose's score of 7.
- Montgomery is less walkable than San Jose with a score of 26 out of 100 vs San Jose's 51 out of 100.
- Montgomery has a bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Jose, which has a score of 62.
- Montgomery's crime rate is higher than San Jose with a score of 65.25 compared to San Jose's 47.73. This means that Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
- Montgomery is considered to be less safe than San Jose with a score of 34.75 vs San Jose's 52.27.
- Air quality in Montgomery is Moderate, and in San Jose it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Jose to Montgomery move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Alabama, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Montgomery. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Montgomery
With your sights set on Cradle of the Confederacy, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Montgomery.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cloverdale/Idlewild
- Old Cloverdale
- EastChase
- Entertainment District
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dalraida
- Forest Park
- Hillwood
- McGehee Estates
- Pike Road
Things to do in Montgomery
With your move to Alabama complete, you can dive right into experiencing Montgomery. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Montgomery is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Civil Rights Memorial Center, and Alabama Department of Archives and History.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Riverfront Park, Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, Wright Brothers Park, and Alabama Bicentennial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montgomery Biscuits (Double A) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Jose to Montgomery?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Jose to Montgomery. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Jose.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Montgomery?
Want to save on your move from San Jose to Montgomery? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from San Jose to Montgomery take?
The 2,372-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Montgomery, AL, takes seven to 18 days. Some San Jose movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Montgomery.
What kinds of discounts do San Jose movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Jose, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Jose?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 61 movers in San Jose provide piano moving services. 53 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
