Moving from Montgomery, AL to Richmond, VA
It is 691 mi between Montgomery and Richmond β roughly 13h 4m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
691 mi Β· 13h 4m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 70, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Greensboro, High Point |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Richmond runs about 9.1% more expensive overall than Montgomery β RPP 89.682 β 97.858.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $151,228 in Montgomery to $369,646 in Richmond, a 9.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 45.5" |
Annual temperature drops 9.0Β°F moving to Richmond per NOAA normals.
Expect 8.8 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.23 |
Households in Richmond earn about 9.1% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Frequently asked
Is Richmond more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 9.1% higher than Montgomery (97.858 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 144.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 647,440 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 Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 691 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Richmond, VA from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 691 mi and the route typically takes 13h 4m via I 85 and US 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 12.5% higher 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 Β· Richmond, VA.