Moving from Worcester, MA to Montgomery, AL
A move from Worcester, MA to Montgomery, AL covers 1228 mi and around 23h 26m of driving through 11 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1228 mi Β· 23h 26m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 52, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Montgomery is 12.5% cheaper than Worcester overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Montgomery is 12.5% below Worcester β $430,112 vs $151,228 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Worcester | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 51.8" |
Montgomery runs 19.8Β°F warmer on the annual average (48.1Β°F vs 67.9Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.46 |
Median household income in Montgomery is 12.5% below Worcester ($67,544 β $55,687, 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 Massachusetts 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 household income compare in Worcester vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $67,544 in Worcester β a 17.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 12.5% lower than Worcester (89.682 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Worcester to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1228 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $430,112 in Worcester β a 64.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1228 mi and the route typically takes 23h 26m via I 81 and US 52. The trip crosses 11 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA Β· Montgomery, AL.