Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Providence, RI (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Montgomery is 35% cheaper than Providence.

$1,059/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 26%
$55,687/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 20%
$148,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 117%
$1,023/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 43%
198,440
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $11,085/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Providence — common questions

Is Montgomery or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Providence?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Providence?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $11,085/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Rhode Island?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Providence details →

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