Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Jacksonville is 44% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,375/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 23%
$66,981/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 17%
$266,100 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 44%
$1,324/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 23%
961,739
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $11,294/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Montgomery?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Montgomery?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $11,294/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Montgomery details →

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