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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Montgomery is 19% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,059/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 5%
$55,687/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 8%
$148,500 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 50%
$1,023/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 25%
198,440
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $4,348/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery 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, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 79 (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 $1,114/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Springfield?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $4,348/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Massachusetts?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% 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 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Springfield details →

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