Moving from Montgomery, AL to Las Cruces, NM
Relocating 1329 mi from Montgomery to Las Cruces is a 23h 30m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1329 mi · 23h 30m by car · AL → MS → LA → TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → MS → LA → TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson, Shreveport, Tyler, Garland, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Las Cruces | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 90.212 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 77.918 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 62.982 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 89.682 vs 90.212 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.6% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $151,228 to $290,023 moving to Las Cruces.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Las Cruces -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 112,612 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $55,176 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 32.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 20.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.41 |
Median household incomes in Montgomery ($55,687) and Las Cruces ($55,176) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Las Cruces MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 10,460 | $36,560 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,790 | $27,360 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 6,940 | $26,000 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 6,460 | $61,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 5,310 | $29,680 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and New Mexico
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Mexico'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Las Cruces compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 75,470 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Las Cruces?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1329 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Las Cruces, NM from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 1329 mi and the route typically takes 23h 30m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Las Cruces more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Las Cruces is 0.6% higher than Montgomery (90.212 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Las Cruces compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,023 in Las Cruces vs $151,228 in Montgomery — a 91.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Las Cruces?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,176 in Las Cruces vs $55,687 in Montgomery — a 0.9% 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 · Las Cruces, NM.