Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Montgomery is 48% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,059/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 54%
$55,687/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 40%
$148,500 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 196%
$1,023/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 57%
198,440
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $22,469/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Vancouver residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Montgomery or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Vancouver?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Vancouver?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $22,469/year higher in Vancouver.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Washington?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Vancouver details →

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