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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Columbus is 30% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,224/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 13%
$65,327/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 15%
$234,500 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 37%
$1,243/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 18%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $9,640/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Montgomery?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Montgomery?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $9,640/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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