Moving from Montgomery, AL to Mobile, AL
Relocating between Montgomery, AL and Mobile, AL is a 174 mi drive — 3h 17m 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.
174 mi · 3h 17m by car · AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 65, US 82 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 89.682 vs 88.098 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
Expect roughly 1.8% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $151,228 to $194,564 moving to Mobile.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Montgomery | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 69°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 60.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Montgomery (67.9°F) and Mobile (69.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.39 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.8% lower in Mobile than Montgomery.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mobile MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,320 | $36,270 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 19,630 | $37,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,350 | $31,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,680 | $23,720 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,550 | $64,370 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mobile 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: Mobile averages 60.5 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Mobile compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 169,730 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 Mobile?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 174 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $55,687 in Montgomery — a 8.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Mobile more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 1.8% lower than Montgomery (88.098 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $151,228 in Montgomery — a 28.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mobile, AL from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 174 mi and the route typically takes 3h 17m via US 80 and I 65. The trip crosses 1 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 · Mobile, AL.