Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Montgomery is 10% cheaper than Abilene.

$1,059/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 4%
$55,687/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 13%
$148,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 20%
$1,023/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 9%
198,440
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,033/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Abilene — common questions

Is Montgomery or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Abilene?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Abilene?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $7,033/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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