Moving from Boston, MA to Montgomery, AL
Relocating 1266 mi from Boston to Montgomery is a 24h 12m drive through 10 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.
1266 mi Β· 24h 12m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 52, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 17.2% moving from Boston to Montgomery β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $798,217 in Boston to $151,228 in Montgomery, a 17.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boston | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 51.8" |
Annual average temperature jumps 16.0Β°F β 51.9Β°F in Boston vs 67.9Β°F in Montgomery, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.46 |
Expect median household income to fall 17.2% β $94,755 β $55,687 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 far is Montgomery, AL from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 1266 mi and the route typically takes 24h 12m via I 81 and US 52. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $798,217 in Boston β a 81.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $94,755 in Boston β a 41.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Boston to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1266 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 17.2% lower than Boston (89.682 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA Β· Montgomery, AL.