Moving from Montgomery, AL to Allen, TX
The drive from Montgomery, AL to Allen, TX runs 665 mi β about 12h 21m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
665 mi Β· 12h 21m by car Β· AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, US 49 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson, Shreveport, Tyler, Mesquite, Dallas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Allen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.682 in Montgomery to 103.09 in Allen, a 15.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Allen: 15.0% above Montgomery on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Allen -6.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Allen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 38.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, MCKINNEY MUNI AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Allen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 107,684 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $129,130 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 38.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 33.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.97 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 15.0% between Montgomery and Allen (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Allen average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Allen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 665 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Allen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,130 in Allen vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 131.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Allen compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Allen MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Allen more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allen is 15.0% higher than Montgomery (103.09 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Allen compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,532 in Allen vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 226.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Allen, TX from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 665 mi and the route typically takes 12h 21m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 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 Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Allen, TX.