($511+) Chicago, IL to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $511 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,659 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 751 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,593, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,659 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,096 - $3,428, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $511 - $1,368.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,256 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Montgomery, AL
Moving options from Chicago to Montgomery fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,256 - $5,651 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 39% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 75% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 751 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 751-mile route from Chicago to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,593 for a studio up to $7,659 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,096 - $3,428 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $511 - $1,368, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $958 - $2,770, 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 Chicago, IL to Montgomery, AL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 751-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Montgomery, Alabama, with prices running from $1,593 - $7,659. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $286 - $1,904 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chicago and Montgomery are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chicago movers tend to run around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,593 - $3,984
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,256 - $5,651
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,768 - $7,659
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 Chicago 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 Chicago, IL to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago 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 | $476 - $4,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $190 - $1,142/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,285 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $952 - $2,856 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,380 - $9,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $713 - $1,355 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $952 - $2,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $762 - $3,332 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $286 - $1,428 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $619 - $1,904 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,332+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Montgomery?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Alabama Trucking Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chicago, IL. 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 Chicago, IL to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,096 and $3,428. 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 Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,096 - $1,822
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,381 - $2,712
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,833 - $3,428
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $666, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $71 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $143 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL, and Montgomery, AL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois 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 $1,096. 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 $1,381 - $2,712.
What are the best moving containers Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Montgomery, AL
A rental truck for this 751-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Montgomery, Alabama, costs between $511 and $1,368. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $227 - $260
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Chicago to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $511 - $960
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $568 - $1,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $748 - $1,368
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $511 - $1,368 does not include fuel ($227 - $260), lodging ($143/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chicago to Montgomery typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $227 - $260 for the 751-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours typically costs around $666.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 751-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $143 per night, adding $286 - $428 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $48 and $286.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago 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 Chicago, IL to Montgomery, AL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, 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 $857 and $2,085.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $958 - $1,658
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,085
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,770
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $666.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $71 and $143 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Montgomery fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL 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 Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 79 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $146,265 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $55,687/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 26/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 34.75/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois 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. Illinois alone has 314 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 751-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Chicago, IL, to Montgomery, AL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,593 for a studio to $7,659 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 751-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,096 - $3,428. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $511 - $1,368, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,256 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Montgomery, AL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Alabama?
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.
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Montgomery run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Montgomery, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $511 to $7,659, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,593 and $7,659, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL 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 $568 - $1,164. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.