Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Columbia to Montgomery typically costs $1,800–$5,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 370 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Columbia to Montgomery
Moving from Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL typically costs $1,800–$5,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 370-mile move from Columbia 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
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,322 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $1,949 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $531 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 24, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 30, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 08, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Montgomery move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,200 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,700 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Columbia.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $400 to $1,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Montgomery, AL to Columbia, SC guide.
Best Columbia to Montgomery movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Columbia to Montgomery
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Columbia to Montgomery much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 SC→AL movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 52 South Carolina movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Montgomery
Many movers find Montgomery easier on the wallet than Columbia - roughly 16% less for singles and 16% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,651 for one person in Montgomery versus $1,956 in Columbia. For a family of four, it's $3,569 compared with $4,274.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbia | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,232 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $1,567 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $140,563 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $49,989 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $1,651 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $3,569 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
- When relocating from Columbia to Montgomery, expect to find rent about 17% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 36% more affordable in Montgomery compared to Columbia.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 23% lower in Montgomery compared to Columbia.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Montgomery, as the cost of living for a single person is 16% lower compared to Columbia.
- A move to Montgomery can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 16% less than what it costs in Columbia.
- Montgomery shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Columbia by around 12%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Montgomery are 25% more than in Columbia, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Alabama are 29% below those in South Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbia and Montgomery:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $180.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $50.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.99 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $1.57 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $51.49 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $37.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Montgomery, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Montgomery.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Montgomery.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbia than in Montgomery.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Montgomery.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Columbia than in Montgomery.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Montgomery.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Montgomery
| Columbia | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 200,603 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 33 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 65.25 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 34.75 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Montgomery's population is about 47% greater than Columbia.
- Montgomery's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Columbia's score of 5.
- Montgomery is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 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 Columbia, which has a score of 35.
- Montgomery's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 65.25 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Montgomery is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 34.75 vs Columbia's 48.39.
- Air quality in Montgomery is Moderate, and in Columbia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Montgomery move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Alabama’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Montgomery. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Montgomery
Planning your move to Cradle of the Confederacy? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Alabama home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Montgomery has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Montgomery features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Montgomery Biscuits (Double A) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Montgomery?
Planning your move from Columbia to Montgomery? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Montgomery?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Montgomery in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Columbia to Montgomery take?
The 370-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Columbia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Montgomery.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Columbia?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Columbia, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
