Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Boston is 175% more expensive than Montgomery.

$2,093/mo ↑ 98%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 49%
$94,755/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 41%
$710,400 ↑ 378%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 79%
$2,176/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 53%
663,972
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,034/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $12,408/year.

Median household income is $39,068/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Boston or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Montgomery?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $1,034/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Montgomery?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $39,068/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Alabama?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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