Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Cincinnati is 8% more expensive than Montgomery.

$953/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↑ 11%
$51,707/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↑ 8%
$215,300 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 31%
$1,041/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 2%
309,595
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $3,980/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Montgomery?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Montgomery?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $3,980/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Alabama?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Montgomery details →

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