Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Montgomery is 58% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,059/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 70%
$55,687/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 104%
$148,500 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 305%
$1,023/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 90%
198,440
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $743/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $8,916/year.

Median household income is $57,709/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Arvada — common questions

Is Montgomery or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Arvada?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $743/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Arvada?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $57,709/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Colorado?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Arvada details →

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