Moving from Knoxville, TN to Montgomery, AL
The 345 mi from Knoxville to Montgomery translate to about 6h 25m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
345 mi Β· 6h 25m by car Β· AL β GA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 75, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Chattanooga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Montgomery and Knoxville is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Montgomery is 3.1% below Knoxville β $369,216 vs $151,228 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 51.8" |
Climate warms by 10.0Β°F on the annual average β 57.9Β°F β 67.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.46 |
Income steps up 3.1%: $50,994 in Knoxville vs $55,687 in Montgomery.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Montgomery MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,200 | $37,110 |
| Production Occupations | 16,130 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,580 | $35,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,470 | $30,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,170 | $24,070 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Montgomery average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Montgomery averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 9.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 345 mi and the route typically takes 6h 25m via I 59 and I 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 59.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 345 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 3.1% lower than Knoxville (89.682 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Montgomery, AL.