Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Montgomery is 54% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,059/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 69%
$55,687/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 154%
$148,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 223%
$1,023/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 96%
198,440
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $733/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $8,796/year.

Median household income is $85,666/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Montgomery or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $733/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $85,666/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View The Woodlands details →

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