($346+) Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL Movers
Moving from Columbia, SC, to Montgomery, AL, runs anywhere from $346 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,124 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 370 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $995, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,124 or more.
- Moving containers run $873 - $2,741, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $346 - $845.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Montgomery, AL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,550 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 Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL
There are 3 main ways to move from Columbia to Montgomery: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,550 - $4,346. Containers cost roughly 29% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 78% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 370 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 370-mile route from Columbia to Montgomery, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $995 - $3,432 | $873 - $1,533 | $346 - $608 | $778 - $1,408 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,550 - $4,346 | $1,095 - $2,239 | $344 - $692 | $938 - $1,637 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,587 - $6,124 | $1,508 - $2,741 | $439 - $845 | $1,194 - $2,258 |
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 Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL
Full-service movers for the 370-mile relocation from Columbia, South Carolina, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $995 and $6,124. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $251 - $1,676, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Columbia typically charge a base rate around $262 plus $256 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $995 - $3,432
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,550 - $4,346
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,587 - $6,124
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 Columbia to Montgomery.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Columbia 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 packing73% of local movers | $419 - $4,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $168 - $1,006/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $251 - $2,011 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $838 - $2,514 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,095 - $8,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $628 - $1,192 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $838 - $2,095 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $670 - $2,933 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $251 - $1,257 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $545 - $1,676 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $251 - $12,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $251 - $2,933+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Montgomery?
Alabama Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Alabama, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Columbia, SC?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Columbia to Montgomery with a local mover averages $1,504 - $4,216. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Columbia, SC can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Columbia, ranked #5 in South Carolina, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,110 customers, 89.3% of which is positive.
Address: 126 Atlas Court, Columbia, SC, 29209 | Founded: 1994
Moving container costs from Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL
Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Montgomery, Alabama, cost between $873 and $2,741. 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 Columbia typically costs about $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $873 - $1,533
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,095 - $2,239
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,508 - $2,741
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $63 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $126 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 $587 in Columbia, SC. 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 South Carolina 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 $873. 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 $1,095 - $2,239.
What are the best moving containers Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
- Undergrads Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL
Plan on $346 - $845 for a rental moving truck on the 370-mile route from Columbia, South Carolina, to Montgomery, Alabama. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $99 - $113
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Columbia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $39.95
| 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 Columbia to Montgomery based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $346 - $608
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $344 - $692
- 4+ bedrooms: $439 - $845
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Columbia to Montgomery starts at $346 - $845, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($99 - $113), overnight lodging ($126/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $587.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $99 - $113 for the 370-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $50 and $272, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $126 per night for hotel stops on the 370-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $251 - $377.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia 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 Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL
For larger DIY moves from Columbia, South Carolina, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Montgomery, Alabama.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $938 and $1,637.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Montgomery:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $778 - $1,408
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $938 - $1,637
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,194 - $2,258
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Columbia, South Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $587.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $63 - $126 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Montgomery?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Columbia to Montgomery, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Columbia, SC vs Montgomery, AL
Columbia and Montgomery land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Columbia and 79 in Montgomery, and average rent is $1,447/mo vs. $1,200/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 35 vs 26 and safety scores are 48.39 vs 34.75.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montgomery, AL to Columbia, SC guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina 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 155 movers in our South Carolina network to compare for this 370-mile move.
Our take
The 370-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Montgomery, AL, costs between $995 and $6,124 with full-service movers, $873 - $2,741 with a moving container, and $346 - $845 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,550 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Alfa and Colonial Banc Group.
FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Montgomery, AL
How long does a move from Columbia, SC to Montgomery, AL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbia, SC 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 $344 - $692. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Montgomery a safe place to live?
Montgomery has a safety index of 34.75 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.25, compared to 48.39 and 3.0 in Columbia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What percentage of Columbia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Columbia handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.