Moving from Chandler, AZ to Montgomery, AL
Cross-country relocations like Chandler, AZ → Montgomery, AL cover 1695 mi and about 29h 47m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1695 mi · 29h 47m by car · AZ → NM → TX → LA → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → LA → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 10, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chandler | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.316 to 89.682, putting Montgomery roughly 13.2% below Chandler on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Montgomery: 13.2% below Chandler on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chandler -2.0%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chandler | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,123 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $103,691 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.6% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 2.46 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 13.2% between Chandler and Montgomery (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 Arizona 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 94°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 — 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 does the job market in Montgomery compare to Chandler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $48,600 in the Chandler MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chandler to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1695 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Chandler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 13.2% lower than Chandler (89.682 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Chandler, AZ?
The driving distance is 1695 mi and the route typically takes 29h 47m via I 20 and I 10. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chandler vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $103,691 in Chandler — a 46.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Chandler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $524,156 in Chandler — a 71.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chandler.
City profiles: Chandler, AZ · Montgomery, AL.