Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Montgomery is 27% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,059/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 27%
$55,687/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 22%
$148,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 58%
$1,023/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 32%
198,440
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $12,071/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Hampton — common questions

Is Montgomery or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Hampton?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Hampton?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $12,071/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Virginia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Hampton details →

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