Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Phoenix is 70% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,458/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 27%
$77,041/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 28%
$381,900 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 61%
$1,430/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 28%
1,624,832
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $21,354/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Phoenix or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Montgomery?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Montgomery?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $21,354/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Montgomery details →

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