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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Montgomery is 44% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,059/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 61%
$55,687/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↑ 10%
$148,500 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 127%
$1,023/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 60%
198,440
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $5,292/year higher in Miami Gardens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Montgomery or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $5,292/year higher in Miami Gardens.
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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Miami Gardens

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