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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Montgomery is 21% cheaper than Gainesville.

$1,059/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 15%
$55,687/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 18%
$148,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 58%
$1,023/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 14%
198,440
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $10,076/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Montgomery or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Gainesville?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Gainesville?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $10,076/year higher in Montgomery.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

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