Moving from Montgomery, AL to Cleveland, OH
Relocating 803 mi from Montgomery to Cleveland is a 14h 54m drive through 4 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.
803 mi Β· 14h 54m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 71, I 264 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.682 vs 93.923 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $151,228 to $115,537 moving to Cleveland.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 33.3" |
Expect 15.6Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.18 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.7% β $55,687 β $39,187 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Cleveland more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 4.7% higher than Montgomery (93.923 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 23.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 803 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 803 mi and the route typically takes 14h 54m via I 65 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 29.6% lower 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· Cleveland, OH.