Moving from Baltimore, MD to Montgomery, AL
A move from Baltimore, MD to Montgomery, AL covers 836 mi and around 16h 5m of driving through 7 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.
836 mi Β· 16h 5m by car Β· MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, I 395 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Richmond, Raleigh, Durham, Cary |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Montgomery are 14.2% below Baltimore β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 14.2% lower in Montgomery than Baltimore as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 51.8" |
Montgomery runs 8.8Β°F warmer on the annual average (59.1Β°F vs 67.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.46 |
Median household income in Montgomery is 14.2% below Baltimore ($59,623 β $55,687, 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 Maryland 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 14.2% lower than Baltimore (89.682 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 836 mi and the route typically takes 16h 5m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 19.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 836 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 Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 6.6% lower 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 Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Montgomery, AL.