Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Montgomery is 23% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,059/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 25%
$55,687/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 31%
$148,500 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 40%
$1,023/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 22%
198,440
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $17,343/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Odessa — common questions

Is Montgomery or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Odessa?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Odessa?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $17,343/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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