Moving from Memphis, TN to Montgomery, AL
It is a 322 mi drive, roughly 5h 58m, between Memphis, TN and Montgomery, AL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
322 mi · 5h 58m by car · TN → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, I 65, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 92.179 vs 89.682 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $144,710 vs $151,228.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 68°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 51.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Memphis (63.4°F) and Montgomery (67.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.46 |
Households in Montgomery earn about 2.7% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 94°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 — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 the job market in Montgomery compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 2.7% lower than Memphis (89.682 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 322 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 8.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 4.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 322 mi and the route typically takes 5h 58m via US 78 and I 65. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Montgomery, AL.