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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Milwaukee is 5% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,033/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↑ 3%
$51,888/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↑ 7%
$172,000 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 14%
$1,082/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 5%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,799/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Montgomery?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Montgomery?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $3,799/year higher in Montgomery.
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 Milwaukee or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Montgomery details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Montgomery

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park