Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Kent, WA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Montgomery is 56% cheaper than Kent.

$1,059/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 73%
$55,687/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 62%
$148,500 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 262%
$1,023/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 87%
198,440
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $774/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $9,288/year.

Median household income is $34,729/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Kent — common questions

Is Montgomery or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Kent?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $774/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Kent?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $34,729/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Washington?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Kent details →

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