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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Montgomery is 52% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,059/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 68%
$55,687/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 44%
$148,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 207%
$1,023/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 74%
198,440
Population
183,032

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $717/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $8,604/year.

Median household income is $24,248/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Montgomery or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $717/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $24,248/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
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 Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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