Moving from Montgomery, AL to Knoxville, TN
The 345 mi from Montgomery to Knoxville translate to about 6h 25m behind the wheel through 3 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.
345 mi Β· 6h 25m by car Β· AL β GA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 75, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Chattanooga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Knoxville 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 Knoxville is 3.2% above Montgomery β $151,228 vs $369,216 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 55.8" |
Climate cools by 10.0Β°F on the annual average β 67.9Β°F β 57.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.28 |
Income steps down 3.2%: $55,687 in Montgomery vs $50,994 in Knoxville.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Knoxville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,000 | $39,660 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 40,780 | $28,680 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 39,220 | $36,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,880 | $32,470 |
| Production Occupations | 33,840 | $41,910 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- Pack rain gear on top: Knoxville averages 55.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.0Β°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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 345 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 3.2% higher than Montgomery (92.569 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 345 mi and the route typically takes 6h 25m via I 59 and I 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 8.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 144.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Knoxville, TN.