Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Montgomery is 5% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,059/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 10%
$55,687/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 5%
$148,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$149,500 ≈ Same
$1,023/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 2%
198,440
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $3,029/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Peoria — common questions

Is Montgomery or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Peoria?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Peoria?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $3,029/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Peoria

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