Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Montgomery and Cedar Rapids have a similar cost of living.

$1,059/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 13%
$55,687/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 22%
$148,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 19%
$1,023/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 6%
198,440
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $12,172/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Montgomery or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $12,172/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Iowa?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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