Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Montgomery is 31% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,059/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 24%
$55,687/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 58%
$148,500 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 94%
$1,023/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 30%
198,440
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $32,080/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Rochester — common questions

Is Montgomery or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Rochester?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Rochester?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $32,080/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Minnesota?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Rochester details →

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