Moving from Montgomery, AL to Phoenix, AZ
Moving from Montgomery, AL to Phoenix, AZ is a 1723 mi cross-country relocation β about 30h 16m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1723 mi Β· 30h 16m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 10, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, Surprise, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 15.2% pricier overall in Phoenix than Montgomery on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Phoenix typical home at $410,169 is 15.2% above Montgomery at $151,228 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 8.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 67.9Β°F vs 72.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.7 |
Median household income in Phoenix is 15.2% above Montgomery ($55,687 vs $77,041, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 1723 mi and the route typically takes 30h 16m via I 20 and I 10. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 171.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 38.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1723 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 15.2% higher than Montgomery (103.316 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Phoenix, AZ.