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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Raleigh is 72% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,468/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 28%
$82,424/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 32%
$377,800 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 61%
$1,487/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 31%
470,763
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $26,737/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Raleigh or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Montgomery?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Montgomery?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $26,737/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Montgomery details →

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