Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs College Station, TX (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Montgomery is 30% cheaper than College Station.

$1,059/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 10%
$55,687/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 7%
$148,500 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 120%
$1,023/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 22%
198,440
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $3,911/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs College Station — common questions

Is Montgomery or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and College Station?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or College Station?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $3,911/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and College Station

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