Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Madison is 61% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,364/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 22%
$76,983/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 28%
$346,900 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 57%
$1,476/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 31%
275,568
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $21,296/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Madison or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Montgomery?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Montgomery?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $21,296/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Alabama?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Montgomery details →

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