Moving from New Orleans, LA to Montgomery, AL
The 301 mi from New Orleans to Montgomery translate to about 5h 35m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
301 mi Β· 5h 35m by car Β· LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 10, US 80 |
| Major cities en route | Mobile |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Montgomery and New Orleans are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.597 vs 89.682); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Montgomery typical home at $151,228 is 3.1% under New Orleans at $242,493 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 51.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 70.9Β°F vs 67.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.46 |
Household income lines up β $55,339 vs $55,687 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Montgomery MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,200 | $37,110 |
| Production Occupations | 16,130 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,580 | $35,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,470 | $30,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,170 | $24,070 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Louisiana and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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 Montgomery average 94Β°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: Montgomery averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation β 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.
- Register to vote in Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Montgomery more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 3.1% lower than New Orleans (89.682 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 301 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Montgomery, AL from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 301 mi and the route typically takes 5h 35m via I 65 and I 10. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 37.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 0.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Montgomery, AL.