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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Montgomery is 30% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,059/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 40%
$55,687/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 21%
$148,500 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 67%
$1,023/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 18%
198,440
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $11,834/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Montgomery or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $11,834/year higher in Palm Bay.
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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Palm Bay

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock