Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Kansas City is 25% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,186/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 11%
$67,449/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 17%
$227,000 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 35%
$1,205/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 15%
508,233
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $11,762/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Kansas 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Montgomery?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Montgomery?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $11,762/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Alabama?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Montgomery details →

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