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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Montgomery is 47% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,059/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 66%
$55,687/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 102%
$148,500 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 123%
$1,023/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 92%
198,440
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $700/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $8,400/year.

Median household income is $56,783/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Pearland — common questions

Is Montgomery or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Pearland?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $700/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Pearland?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $56,783/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Pearland details →

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