Moving from Montgomery, AL to Memphis, TN
Relocating between Montgomery, AL and Memphis, TN is a 322 mi drive — 5h 58m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
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
| Montgomery | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 89.682 vs 92.179 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 $151,228 vs $144,710.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Montgomery | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Montgomery (67.9°F) and Memphis (63.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.8% lower in Memphis than Montgomery.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
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 — 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 Memphis average 92°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: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — 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
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Memphis?
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.
Is Memphis more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 2.8% higher than Montgomery (92.179 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $55,687 in Montgomery — a 8.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Montgomery, AL?
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.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $151,228 in Montgomery — a 4.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL · Memphis, TN.