($648+) Philadelphia, PA to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $668 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,299 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 944 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 $2,087, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,299 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,233 - $4,124, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $668 - $1,736.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,419 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 Philadelphia, PA to Montgomery, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Philadelphia to Montgomery: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,419 - $6,218. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 944-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 944-mile route from Philadelphia to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,087 - $4,673, container $1,233 - $2,242, rental truck $668 - $1,251, freight trailer $1,121 - $1,899.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,419 - $6,218, container $1,464 - $3,083, rental truck $700 - $1,503, freight trailer $1,220 - $2,492.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,264 - $8,299, container $2,053 - $4,124, rental truck $878 - $1,736, freight trailer $1,593 - $3,300.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Montgomery, AL
For the 944-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Montgomery, Alabama, full-service movers cost between $2,087 and $8,299. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $282 - $1,880 (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 Philadelphia generally start around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,087 - $4,673
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,419 - $6,218
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,264 - $8,299
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 Philadelphia to Montgomery.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to Alabama. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Montgomery, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $470 - $4,700 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $188 - $1,128/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $282 - $2,256 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $940 - $2,820 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,350 - $9,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $704 - $1,338 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $940 - $2,350 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $752 - $3,290 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $282 - $1,410 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $611 - $1,880 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $282 - $14,100+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $282 - $3,290+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Philadelphia, PA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $1,233 and $4,124. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Montgomery. If you go over that window, storage in Philadelphia adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,233 - $2,242
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,464 - $3,083
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,053 - $4,124
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $71 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $141 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 $658 in Philadelphia, PA. 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 Pennsylvania 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 $1,233. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,464 - $3,083, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia:
- Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
- Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Montgomery, AL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 944 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Montgomery, Alabama, running $668 - $1,736. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $282 - $323
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| 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 Philadelphia to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $668 - $1,251
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $700 - $1,503
- 4+ bedrooms: $878 - $1,736
Pro tip: The base rate of $668 - $1,736 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Philadelphia to Montgomery. Fuel ($282 - $323) , lodging at around $141/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $141 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $61 and $306 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $282 - $323 in fuel for the 944-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $658 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA to Montgomery, AL
If you're moving a larger household from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Montgomery, Alabama.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,220 and $2,492.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,121 - $1,899
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,220 - $2,492
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,593 - $3,300
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $658.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $71 and $141 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia 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.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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: Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 79 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $146,265 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $55,687/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 5.0% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 26/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 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 Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania 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 106 movers in our Pennsylvania network to compare for this 944-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Philadelphia, PA, to Montgomery, AL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,087 - $8,299 on the 944-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,233 - $4,124 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $668 - $1,736 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,419 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, 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 long does a move from Philadelphia, PA to Montgomery, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in Philadelphia?
Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA 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.
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Montgomery, AL?
Costs on this route range from around $2,087 to $8,299, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,087 and $8,299, 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 percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
