Moving from Montgomery, AL to Garland, TX
Relocating 647 mi from Montgomery to Garland is a 12h 5m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
647 mi Β· 12h 5m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, US 49 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Frisco, Mckinney, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Garland | 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 |
Expect roughly 15.0% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $151,228 to $286,805 moving to Garland.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 41.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Montgomery (67.9Β°F) and Garland (65.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 3.04 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.0% β $55,687 β $74,717 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland 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 Garland average 94Β°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
How does the job market in Garland compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland 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.
How far is Garland, TX from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 647 mi and the route typically takes 12h 5m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 34.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 89.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 647 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Garland more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 15.0% higher than Montgomery (103.09 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· Garland, TX.