Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Columbus to Montgomery typically costs $1,100–$3,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 81 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Columbus to Montgomery
Moving from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL typically costs $1,100–$3,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 81-mile move from Columbus to Montgomery, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $1,511 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $2,644 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $1,784 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 18, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 04, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Montgomery
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,200.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($100–$200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Montgomery, AL to Columbus, GA guide.
Best Columbus to Montgomery movers by type
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Best professional movers from Columbus to Montgomery
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Columbus to Montgomery, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 GA→AL movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 86 Georgia moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Montgomery
Many movers find Montgomery easier on the wallet than Columbus - roughly 19% less for singles and 7% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,651 for one person in Montgomery versus $2,041 in Columbus. For a family of four, it's $3,569 compared with $3,834.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbus | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,250 | $1,232 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,400 | $1,567 |
| Average home value | $157,861 | $140,563 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,542 | $49,989 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,041 | $1,651 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,834 | $3,569 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 5.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 9% higher in Montgomery compared to Columbus; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 11% less in Montgomery than in Columbus.
- Fortunately, the average income in Montgomery and Columbus is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Montgomery. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 19% lower than in Columbus.
- Choosing to move to Montgomery can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 7% less than in Columbus.
- In Montgomery, the unemployment rate is approximately 9% higher than in Columbus, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 11% in Montgomery over Columbus, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 9% less in Alabama than in Georgia. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbus and Montgomery:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.40 | $180.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $40.33 | $50.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.24 | $3.99 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.52 | $1.57 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $51.49 |
| Gym membership | $10.00 | $37.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Montgomery.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbus than in Montgomery.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Montgomery.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbus than in Montgomery.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Montgomery.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbus than in Montgomery.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Montgomery.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Montgomery
| Columbus | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 200,603 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 33 |
| Crime index | 72.18 | 65.25 |
| Safety index | 27.82 | 34.75 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Montgomery's population is within about 5% of Columbus, so they’re very similar in size.
- Montgomery's public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbus, making them very similar.
- Montgomery and Columbus are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 33 out of 100, Montgomery is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Montgomery's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 65.25 compared to Columbus's 72.18. This means that Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18%.
- Montgomery is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 34.75 vs Columbus's 27.82.
- Air quality in Montgomery is Moderate, and in Columbus it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Montgomery move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Alabama doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Montgomery. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Montgomery
Now that you've decided to make the move to Cradle of the Confederacy, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Alabama, it's time to get out and discover what Montgomery has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Montgomery, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Montgomery Biscuits (Double A) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Montgomery?
The best time to move from Columbus to Montgomery is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Montgomery?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Montgomery, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to Montgomery take?
Moving from Columbus, GA to Montgomery, AL covers 81 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Columbus movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Montgomery.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Columbus?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Columbus advertise piano moving expertise. 3 movers in Columbus provide antique moving services. State totals show 54 piano movers and 39 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
