Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Montgomery is 39% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,059/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 45%
$55,687/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 16%
$148,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 120%
$1,023/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 38%
198,440
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $8,753/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Montgomery or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Clearwater?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Clearwater?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $8,753/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Clearwater details →

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