Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Montgomery is 73% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,059/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 159%
$55,687/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 127%
$148,500 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 601%
$1,023/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 157%
198,440
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,683/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $20,196/year.

Median household income is $70,782/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Montgomery or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Cambridge?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,683/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Cambridge?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $70,782/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Cambridge details →

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