Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Montgomery, AL
Relocating 729 mi from Chesapeake to Montgomery is a 14h 13m drive through 5 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.
729 mi Β· 14h 13m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 58, US 13 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Montgomery at 89.682 vs Chesapeake at 97.941.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $420,756 to $151,228 moving to Montgomery.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 51.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Chesapeake (63.0Β°F) and Montgomery (67.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.46 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.4% β $94,189 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 Virginia 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
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 729 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 729 mi and the route typically takes 14h 13m via I 85 and US 58. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chesapeake vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 40.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 8.4% lower than Chesapeake (89.682 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 64.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Montgomery, AL.