Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Mesa is 67% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,478/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 28%
$78,779/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 29%
$364,300 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 59%
$1,404/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 27%
507,478
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $23,092/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Mesa or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Montgomery?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Montgomery?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $23,092/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Montgomery details →

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