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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Montgomery is 5% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,059/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 11%
$55,687/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 18%
$148,500 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$155,200 ↑ 5%
$1,023/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 5%
198,440
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $9,850/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Springfield — common questions

Is Montgomery or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Springfield?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Springfield?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $9,850/year higher in Springfield.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Springfield

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