Moving from Savannah, GA to Montgomery, AL
Moving from Savannah, GA to Montgomery, AL covers 332 mi and about 6h 32m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
332 mi · 6h 32m by car · AL → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 16, GA 96, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Savannah | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.206 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.603 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.269 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.012 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Montgomery is 5.8% cheaper than Savannah overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Montgomery is 5.8% below Savannah — $326,509 vs $151,228 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Savannah -3.5%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Savannah | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 68°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 51.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Savannah (67.5°F) and Montgomery (67.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Savannah | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,546 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $56,782 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.46 |
Median household incomes in Savannah ($56,782) and Montgomery ($55,687) are within a few percent (ACS 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 Georgia 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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Montgomery average 94°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 — 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
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to Savannah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $43,490 in the Savannah MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 188,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Savannah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 5.8% lower than Savannah (89.682 vs 95.206, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Savannah vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $56,782 in Savannah — a 1.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Savannah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $326,509 in Savannah — a 53.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Savannah, GA?
The driving distance is 332 mi and the route typically takes 6h 32m via I 16 and GA 96. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Savannah to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 332 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Savannah.
City profiles: Savannah, GA · Montgomery, AL.