Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Austin is 109% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,655/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 36%
$91,461/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 39%
$512,700 ↑ 245%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 71%
$1,747/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 41%
967,862
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $596/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $7,152/year.

Median household income is $35,774/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Austin or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Montgomery?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $596/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Montgomery?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $35,774/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Montgomery details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and Montgomery

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park