Factors that influence moving costs from Richmond to Montgomerytoggle

The cost of Richmond movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Richmond to Montgomery might cost as little as $1,386, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,887.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Richmond, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $585 to $1,488. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Richmond to Montgomery

Moving from Richmond to Montgomery means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Richmond than in Montgomery, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Richmond compares to Montgomery so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Richmond Montgomery
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,200
Average home value $350,897 $140,563
Average income (per capita) $59,606 $49,989
Cost of living (single person) $2,270 $1,651
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,336 $3,569
Unemployment rate 7.1% 5.8%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.0%
State income tax 5.75% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Montgomery are 25% lower than in Richmond, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Montgomery.
    Home prices in Montgomery are 59.9% lower than in Richmond.
  • Income in Montgomery is 16.1% lower than in Richmond, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Montgomery include Alfa, Colonial Banc Group, and Colonial National Bank.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Montgomery is 27.3% lower than in Richmond. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Montgomery is 33.1% lower than in Richmond.
  • The unemployment rate in Montgomery is 18.31% lower than in Richmond.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Montgomery, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Montgomery are 66.67% higher than in Richmond.
  • One perk of moving to Montgomery is paying less in state income taxes, which are 13.04% lower than in Richmond.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,181.94 in Montgomery to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Richmond.

How life is different in Richmond vs. Montgomery

Montgomery Richmond
Population 200,603 226,610
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 7
Walkability score 26 51
Bike friendliness score 33 51
Crime Index 65.25 48.45
Safety Index 34.75 51.55
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Montgomery's population is about 11% less than Richmond.
  • Montgomery's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Richmond's higher score of 7.
  • Montgomery is less walkable than Richmond with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Richmond's 51 out of 100.
  • Montgomery has a bike-friendliness score 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Richmond, which has a score of 51 out of 100.
  • Montgomery's crime rate is higher than Richmond with a score of 65.25 compared to Richmond's 48.45. This means that Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45%.
  • Montgomery is considered to be less safe than Richmond with a score of 34.75 vs Richmond's 51.55.
  • Air quality in Montgomery is moderate, and in Richmond it's good.

Other things to consider for your Richmond vs. Montgomery move

  • Weather: Montgomery ith short, mild winters, warm springs and autumns, and long, hot, humid summers. Severe storms also bring a risk of tornadoes.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Alabama doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Montgomery without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Montgomery

With your sights set on "Cradle of the Confederacy", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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

Now that you've made the move to Alabama, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Montgomery. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Montgomery, such as the Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Civil Rights Memorial Center, Alabama Department of Archives and History, and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Riverfront Park, Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, Wright Brothers Park, and Alabama Bicentennial Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montgomery Biscuits (Double A) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Richmond to Montgomery?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Richmond to Montgomery. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Richmond.

When is the cheapest time to move from Richmond to Montgomery?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Richmond 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 Richmond to Montgomery take?

The 693-mile journey from Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Richmond 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.

Helpful moving resources