Moving from Odessa, TX to Montgomery, AL
Relocating 999 mi from Odessa to Montgomery is a 18h 2m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
999 mi Β· 18h 2m by car Β· AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, US 49 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson, Shreveport, Tyler, Garland, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.896 vs 89.682 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $251,239 to $151,228 moving to Montgomery.
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Odessa | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 51.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Odessa (64.4Β°F) and Montgomery (67.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 31 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.46 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.5% β $73,030 β $55,687 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Montgomery MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,200 | $37,110 |
| Production Occupations | 16,130 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,580 | $35,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,470 | $30,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,170 | $24,070 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Montgomery average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Montgomery averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Montgomery more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 4.5% lower than Odessa (89.682 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $251,239 in Odessa β a 39.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Odessa to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 999 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Odessa vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $73,030 in Odessa β a 23.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 76,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 999 mi and the route typically takes 18h 2m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX Β· Montgomery, AL.