Moving from Montgomery, AL to Savannah, GA
Moving from Montgomery, AL to Savannah, GA covers 332 mi and about 6h 32m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
332 mi Β· 6h 32m by car Β· AL β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 16, GA 96, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Savannah | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 95.206 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 88.603 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.269 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 86.012 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.682 in Montgomery to 95.206 in Savannah, a 6.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Savannah: 6.2% above Montgomery on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Savannah -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 48.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Savannah β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 147,546 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $56,782 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.52 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Savannah MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,950 | $41,600 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,870 | $37,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 21,400 | $28,500 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 18,460 | $31,030 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,220 | $76,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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 Savannah average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic 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.
- Register to vote in Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Savannah more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Savannah is 6.2% higher than Montgomery (95.206 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Savannah?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 332 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Savannah?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,782 in Savannah vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 2.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Savannah, GA from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 332 mi and the route typically takes 6h 32m via I 16 and GA 96. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Savannah compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,490 in the Savannah MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 188,970 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Savannah compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $326,509 in Savannah vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 115.9% higher 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 Β· Savannah, GA.