Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Jersey City is 131% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,902/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 44%
$94,813/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 41%
$534,500 ↑ 260%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 72%
$2,006/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 49%
289,691
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $39,126/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Jersey City or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Montgomery?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Montgomery?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $39,126/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Alabama?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Montgomery details →

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