Is Montgomery, AL cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Montgomery, AL is 49.4% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $1853 per month.

What salary do I need in Montgomery, AL to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $75,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $52,767.857 in Montgomery, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Montgomery, AL?

Housing in Montgomery, AL is 75.9% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $980/month in Montgomery, AL compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Montgomery, AL?

Moving from New York, NY to Montgomery, AL could save you approximately $1853 per month, or $22232 per year, based on a $75,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Montgomery, AL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Montgomery, AL

$75.0K in your current city equals $52.8K in Montgomery, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 49.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,853

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.2K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Montgomery, AL

Population:201K

Cost Index:51

Median Home:$104K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Montgomery, AL

Category	New York, NY	Montgomery, AL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,959/mo	$1,438/mo	↓ $4,521less	75.9%
📦Other	$1,585/mo	$1,187/mo	↓ $398less	25.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,248/mo	$937/mo	↓ $312less	25.0%
🛒Groceries	$908/mo	$747/mo	↓ $160less	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$536/mo	$401/mo	↓ $135less	25.2%
⚡All Utilities	$467/mo	$421/mo	↓ $45.98less	9.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 75.9%

New York, NY

$5,959

Montgomery, AL

$1,438

Difference

$4,521

less

📦Other

↓ 25.1%

New York, NY

$1,585

Montgomery, AL

$1,187

Difference

$398

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.0%

New York, NY

$1,248

Montgomery, AL

$937

Difference

$312

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

New York, NY

$908

Montgomery, AL

$747

Difference

$160

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 25.2%

New York, NY

$536

Montgomery, AL

$401

Difference

$135

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.8%

New York, NY

$467

Montgomery, AL

$421

Difference

$45.98

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$2,782/yr (3.7%)

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$3,120

To$830

↓ $2,290

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$840

↓ $2,430

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$980

↓ $2,610

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,255

↓ $3,245

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$10,703

Monthly in New York, NY

$5,131

Monthly in Montgomery, AL

$5,573

Difference

Home Values

New York

Montgomery

$1.05M

Median Value

$104K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.6%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$45K - $250K

Homes in Montgomery are 90% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Montgomery

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $75.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $725

Per year

Monthly Difference

$60.41

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.0%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 13.8%

$8.3K

New York State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$5.7K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$18.5K

Take-Home Pay

$4,707/month

$56.5K

Montgomery, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 13.8%

$8.3K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 4.9%

$3.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$5.7K

Total Taxes

Effective: 23.7%

$17.8K

Take-Home Pay

$4,768/month

$57.2K

Additional Tax Information

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.