Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Salt Lake City is 83% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,343/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 21%
$74,925/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 26%
$495,700 ↑ 234%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 70%
$1,394/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 27%
203,888
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $19,238/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Montgomery?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Montgomery?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $19,238/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Alabama?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Montgomery details →

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