Moving from Montgomery, AL to High Point, NC
The 478 mi from Montgomery to High Point translate to about 9h 8m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
478 mi Β· 9h 8m by car Β· AL β GA β SC β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β SC β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 29, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | High Point | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 92.865 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 89.065 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 74.519 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in High Point and Montgomery is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in High Point is 3.5% above Montgomery β $151,228 vs $249,821 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, High Point +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 48.3" |
Climate cools by 6.8Β°F on the annual average β 67.9Β°F β 61.1Β°F.
High Point averages 1.9 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, HIGH PT, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 115,263 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $61,228 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 37.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 21.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.56 |
Income steps up 3.5%: $55,687 in Montgomery vs $61,228 in High Point.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in High Point MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 44,320 | $36,510 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,250 | $40,420 |
| Production Occupations | 34,760 | $38,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,460 | $35,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,710 | $27,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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-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
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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 North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in High Point compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,730 in the High Point MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 356,380 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is High Point more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in High Point is 3.5% higher than Montgomery (92.865 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs High Point?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,228 in High Point vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 10.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to High Point?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 478 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is High Point, NC from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 478 mi and the route typically takes 9h 8m via I 85 and US 29. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in High Point compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,821 in High Point vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 65.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· High Point, NC.