Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Montgomery is 10% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,059/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 8%
$55,687/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 6%
$148,500 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 20%
$1,023/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 4%
198,440
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $3,517/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Lansing — common questions

Is Montgomery or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Lansing?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Lansing?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $3,517/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Michigan?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Lansing

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey