Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Montgomery is 74% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,059/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 137%
$55,687/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 190%
$148,500 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 710%
$1,023/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 153%
198,440
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,446/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $17,352/year.

Median household income is $105,613/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Montgomery or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Bellevue?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,446/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Bellevue?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $105,613/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Washington?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Bellevue

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet