Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Grand Rapids, MI (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79

Montgomery is 15% cheaper than Grand Rapids.

$1,059/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,191/mo ↑ 12%
$55,687/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$65,526/yr ↑ 18%
$148,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$225,500 ↑ 52%
$1,023/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 11%
198,440
Population
197,768

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Grand Rapids, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $9,839/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $225,500 in Grand Rapids.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Grand Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Grand Rapids — common questions

Is Montgomery or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Grand Rapids?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Grand Rapids it's $1,191/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Grand Rapids?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $65,526 in Grand Rapids. Median household income is $9,839/year higher in Grand Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Michigan?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Grand Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Grand Rapids details →