Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Durham is 64% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,412/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 25%
$79,234/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 30%
$355,300 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 58%
$1,434/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 29%
288,465
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $23,547/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Durham or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Montgomery?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Montgomery?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $23,547/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Montgomery details →

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