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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $5.6K/month more in Arlington, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $217.2K in Arlington, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 74.7%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$5,603
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$67.2K
Per year

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

Montgomery, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$104K

Arlington, VA

Population:239K
Cost Index:
175
(75% above avg)
Median Home:$556K

Montgomery, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Montgomery, AL vs Arlington, VA

Housing
↑ 196.0%
Montgomery, AL
$1,845
Arlington, VA
$5,461
Difference
$3,616
more
Transportation
↑ 53.2%
Montgomery, AL
$1,202
Arlington, VA
$1,842
Difference
$640
more
Other
↑ 17.0%
Montgomery, AL
$1,523
Arlington, VA
$1,783
Difference
$259
more
Healthcare
↑ 21.5%
Montgomery, AL
$514
Arlington, VA
$625
Difference
$110
more
Groceries
↑ 11.2%
Montgomery, AL
$959
Arlington, VA
$1,067
Difference
$107
more
All Utilities
↓ 7.1%
Montgomery, AL
$541
Arlington, VA
$502
Difference
$38.67
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$830
To$1,578
↑ $748
1 Bed
From$840
To$1,827
↑ $987
2 Bed
From$980
To$2,325
↑ $1,345
3 Bed
From$1,255
To$3,239
↑ $1,984
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.

$6,585
Monthly in Montgomery, AL
$11,279
Monthly in Arlington, VA
$4,694
Difference

Home Values

Montgomery
Arlington
$104K
Median Value
-
↓ -0.1%
YoY Change
-
↑ +27.6%
5-Year Change
-
$45K - $250K
Price Range
-
Calculate payment - Montgomery

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $908
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$75.63
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
Rate difference

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

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Virginia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,718/month
$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Montgomery, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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

Montgomery
Arlington
42 Good
Air Quality
45 Good
69%
Good Air Days
63.7%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌀🌡
▲+2.6°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
62 days
Heat Days >95°F
27 days
▲+2.6°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
62 days
Heat Days >95°F
27 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Alabama and Virginia on TaxTakeHome.com

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