Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Portland is 116% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,596/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 34%
$88,792/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 37%
$557,600 ↑ 275%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 73%
$1,771/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 42%
642,715
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $33,105/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Portland or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Montgomery?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Montgomery?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $33,105/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Alabama?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Montgomery details →

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