Moving from Montgomery, AL to Murfreesboro, TN
Relocating between Montgomery, AL and Murfreesboro, TN is a 285 mi drive β 5h 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.
285 mi Β· 5h 17m by car Β· AL β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, US 82, I 840 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Huntsville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 7.4% 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 7.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $151,228 to $426,292 moving to Murfreesboro.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 55.9" |
Expect 9.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Murfreesboro averages 2.2 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.69 |
Expect median household income to rise 7.4% β $55,687 β $76,241 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Murfreesboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 151,390 | $44,110 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 122,460 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 97,370 | $30,460 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 87,620 | $35,950 |
| Management Occupations | 87,180 | $106,770 |
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: Murfreesboro averages 55.9 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 does the job market in Murfreesboro compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 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 Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 36.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 7.4% higher than Montgomery (96.338 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 285 mi and the route typically takes 5h 17m via I 65 and US 82. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 181.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Murfreesboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 285 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Murfreesboro, TN.