Moving from Montgomery, AL to Tyler, TX
A move from Montgomery, AL to Tyler, TX covers 561 mi and around 10h 37m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
561 mi Β· 10h 37m by car Β· AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, US 49 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson, Shreveport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Tyler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 92.156 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 82.904 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 79.911 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Montgomery (89.682) and Tyler (92.156) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Tyler: 2.8% above Montgomery on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Tyler -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 47.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, TYLER, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Tyler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 107,718 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $65,527 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 20.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.86 |
Median household income in Tyler is 2.8% above Montgomery ($55,687 β $65,527, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tyler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,210 | $37,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,080 | $38,150 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,660 | $71,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,430 | $26,300 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,210 | $30,020 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Tyler average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Tyler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,527 in Tyler vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 17.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tyler, TX from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 561 mi and the route typically takes 10h 37m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Tyler?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 561 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Tyler compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,563 in Tyler vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 66.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tyler more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tyler is 2.8% higher than Montgomery (92.156 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tyler compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,080 in the Tyler MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 111,520 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· Tyler, TX.