Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Montgomery is 36% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,059/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 24%
$55,687/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 15%
$148,500 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 136%
$1,023/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 34%
198,440
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $8,213/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Montgomery or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Wilmington?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Wilmington?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $8,213/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and North Carolina?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Wilmington details →

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