Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Philadelphia is 33% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,323/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 20%
$60,698/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 8%
$232,400 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 36%
$1,233/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 17%
1,582,432
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $5,011/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Montgomery?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Montgomery?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $5,011/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Alabama?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Montgomery details →

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