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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Montgomery is 22% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,059/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 23%
$55,687/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 9%
$148,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 54%
$1,023/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 12%
198,440
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $240/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $2,880/year.

Median household income is $5,260/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Montgomery or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Lakeland?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $240/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Lakeland?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $5,260/year higher in Lakeland.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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