$MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $172/month moving to Montgomery, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.9K in Montgomery, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
↓ 2.3%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$172
Savings
Annual Impact
$2.1K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$90K

Montgomery, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:
98
(2% below avg)
Median Home:$104K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 201K residents.

Montgomery, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 201K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Birmingham, AL vs Montgomery, AL

Housing
↓ 4.1%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Montgomery, AL
$1,845
Difference
$77.96
less
Other
↓ 3.2%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Montgomery, AL
$1,523
Difference
$50.22
less
Groceries
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Montgomery, AL
$959
Difference
$0
same
Transportation
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Montgomery, AL
$1,202
Difference
$0
same
All Utilities
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Montgomery, AL
$541
Difference
$0
same
Healthcare
→ 0.0%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Montgomery, AL
$514
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Occupational Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Montgomery, AL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$830
↓ $50.00
1 Bed
From$990
To$840
↓ $150
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$980
↓ $105
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$1,255
↓ $105
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/mo

Montgomery, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $750–$1,110/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,713
Monthly in Birmingham, AL
$6,585
Monthly in Montgomery, AL
$128
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Montgomery
$90K
Median Value
$104K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
↓ -0.1%
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +27.6%
$57K - $376K
Price Range
$45K - $250K

Homes in Montgomery are 16% more expensive than Birmingham

Calculate payment - BirminghamCalculate payment - Montgomery

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
→ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Birmingham, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Montgomery, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Montgomery, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Birmingham
Montgomery
57 Moderate
Air Quality
42 Good
26%
Good Air Days
69%
98 High
Climate Risk
92 Moderate
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.6°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
62 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.6°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
62 days

Similar cost to Montgomery, AL

Other cities in a similar price range

Raleigh, NCCharlotte, NCSan Antonio, TX

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison