Moving from Lakeland, FL to Montgomery, AL
Moving from Lakeland, FL to Montgomery, AL covers 466 mi and about 9h 10m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
466 mi · 9h 10m by car · AL → FL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 231, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Tallahassee, Gainesville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakeland | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.141 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.883 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.942 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Montgomery are 7.7% below Lakeland — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Montgomery typical home at $151,228 is 7.7% under Lakeland at $311,156 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lakeland -2.8%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lakeland | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74°F | 68°F |
| January avg low | 51°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 56.8" | 51.8" |
Montgomery is 6.0°F cooler on the annual average (73.9°F vs 67.9°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LAKELAND 2, FL US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakeland | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,030 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $60,947 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 39.9 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.46 |
Median household income in Montgomery is 7.7% below Lakeland ($60,947 → $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 Florida 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.
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 household income compare in Lakeland vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $60,947 in Lakeland — a 8.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lakeland 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 466 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to Lakeland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $40,780 in the Lakeland MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 256,700 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Lakeland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 7.7% lower than Lakeland (89.682 vs 97.141, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Lakeland, FL?
The driving distance is 466 mi and the route typically takes 9h 10m via I 10 and US 231. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Lakeland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $311,156 in Lakeland — a 51.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakeland.
City profiles: Lakeland, FL · Montgomery, AL.