Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Atlanta is 91% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,617/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 35%
$81,938/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 32%
$420,600 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 65%
$1,695/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 40%
499,287
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $26,251/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Atlanta or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Montgomery?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Montgomery?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $26,251/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Alabama?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Montgomery details →

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