Moving from Montgomery, AL to Miami, FL
It is 681 mi between Montgomery and Miami β roughly 12h 52m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
681 mi Β· 12h 52m by car Β· FL β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 231, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Hialeah, Miramar, Miami Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Miami | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Miami is 27.3% above Montgomery β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
27.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Miami -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 61Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 57.2" |
Annual temperature rises 8.2Β°F moving to Miami per NOAA normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Miami β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, MIAMI BEACH, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 446,663 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $59,390 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 39.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.35 |
Households in Miami earn about 27.3% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Miami MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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
- Pack rain gear on top: Miami averages 57.2 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Miami?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 681 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Miami, FL from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 681 mi and the route typically takes 12h 52m via I 10 and US 231. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Miami compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $579,564 in Miami vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 283.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Miami?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,390 in Miami vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 6.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Miami more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami is 27.3% higher than Montgomery (114.155 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Miami compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Miami, FL.