Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Detroit is 17% cheaper than Montgomery.

$1,034/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↑ 2%
$39,575/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↑ 41%
$76,800 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$148,500 ↑ 93%
$868/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↑ 18%
636,644
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,112/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Detroit or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Montgomery?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Montgomery?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $16,112/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Alabama?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Montgomery details →

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