Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Montgomery is 46% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,059/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 61%
$55,687/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 24%
$148,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 149%
$1,023/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 63%
198,440
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $13,574/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Montgomery or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $13,574/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and West Palm Beach

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings