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

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Columbus is 8% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,072/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 1%
$56,622/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 2%
$182,300 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 19%
$1,064/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 4%
204,383
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $935/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Columbus 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 Columbus and Montgomery?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Montgomery?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $935/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Montgomery details →

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