Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Montgomery is 55% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,059/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 65%
$55,687/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 54%
$148,500 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 269%
$1,023/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 69%
198,440
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $30,102/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Montgomery or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Lakewood?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Lakewood?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $30,102/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Colorado?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Lakewood

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield