Moving from Montgomery, AL to Independence, MO
The drive from Montgomery, AL to Independence, MO runs 775 mi β about 15h 13m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
775 mi Β· 15h 13m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 22, US 63, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Memphis, Springfield, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Independence and Montgomery are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.682 vs 92.543); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Independence typical home at $208,158 is 3.2% above Montgomery at $151,228 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 44.7" |
Climate cools by 13.9Β°F on the annual average β 67.9Β°F β 54.0Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Independence sees 13.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.39 |
Income steps up 3.2%: $55,687 in Montgomery vs $59,480 in Independence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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 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
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.9Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 6.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Independence more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 3.2% higher than Montgomery (92.543 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 775 mi and the route typically takes 15h 13m via I 22 and US 63. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 775 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 37.6% 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· Independence, MO.