Moving from Montgomery, AL to Atlanta, GA
Relocating between Montgomery, AL and Atlanta, GA is a 159 mi drive β 3h 2m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
159 mi Β· 3h 2m by car Β· GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 29, GA 14 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.6% above Montgomery β 89.682 β 100.058 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 48.1" |
Expect 5.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.16 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.6% β $55,687 β $81,938 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Atlanta average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Atlanta more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 11.6% higher than Montgomery (100.058 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 159 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Atlanta, GA from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 159 mi and the route typically takes 3h 2m via I 85 and US 29. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Atlanta compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 155.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 47.1% higher 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 Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Atlanta, GA.