Moving from Atlanta, GA to Montgomery, AL
It is a 159 mi drive, roughly 3h 2m, between Atlanta, GA and Montgomery, AL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
159 mi Β· 3h 2m by car Β· GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 29, GA 14 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.4% cheaper overall in Montgomery than Atlanta on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.4% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 51.8" |
Annual temperature rises 5.6Β°F moving to Montgomery per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 34 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.46 |
Montgomery households earn about 10.4% less than Atlanta at the median β $81,938 β $55,687 on ACS 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 Georgia 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 Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 60.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 32.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 10.4% lower than Atlanta (89.682 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 159 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 Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 159 mi and the route typically takes 3h 2m via I 85 and US 29. 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 Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Montgomery, AL.