Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Montgomery and Kansas City have a similar cost of living.

$1,059/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↑ 1%
$55,687/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↑ 6%
$148,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$147,100 ≈ Same
$1,023/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↑ 3%
198,440
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,496/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Montgomery or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Kansas City?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Kansas City?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $3,496/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Kansas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Kansas City details →

More Comparisons

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