Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Montgomery, AL
Relocating 525 mi from Palm Bay to Montgomery is a 10h 13m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
525 mi Β· 10h 13m by car Β· AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 231, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Tallahassee, Gainesville, Orlando |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.3% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Montgomery at 89.682 vs Palm Bay at 100.005.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.3% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $302,461 to $151,228 moving to Montgomery.
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 51.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Palm Bay (72.6Β°F) and Montgomery (67.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.46 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.3% lower in Montgomery than Palm Bay.
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 Florida 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
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 50.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 17.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 525 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 Palm Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 236,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 10.3% lower than Palm Bay (89.682 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 525 mi and the route typically takes 10h 13m via I 10 and US 231. The trip crosses 2 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 Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Montgomery, AL.