Moving from Montgomery, AL to Clarksville, TN
The 332 mi from Montgomery to Clarksville translate to about 6h 14m behind the wheel through 2 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.
332 mi Β· 6h 14m by car Β· AL β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, US 82, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Huntsville, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Montgomery (89.682) and Clarksville (90.947) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Clarksville: 1.4% above Montgomery on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 53.5" |
Climate cools by 8.7Β°F on the annual average β 67.9Β°F β 59.2Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Clarksville β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.65 |
Income steps up 1.4%: $55,687 in Montgomery vs $66,786 in Clarksville.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clarksville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,310 | $37,690 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,100 | $27,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,880 | $30,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,830 | $37,170 |
| Production Occupations | 8,750 | $43,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- Pack rain gear on top: Clarksville averages 53.5 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 110.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 332 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 Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 19.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Clarksville, TN from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 332 mi and the route typically takes 6h 14m via I 65 and US 82. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Clarksville more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 1.4% higher than Montgomery (90.947 vs 89.682, 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 Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Clarksville, TN.