Tacoma, WA vs Montgomery, AL: 126 vs 64

$1,597/mo ↑ 51%

Median Rent

$1,059/mo ↓ 34%

$83,857/yr ↑ 51%

Median Income

$55,687/yr ↓ 34%

$454,600 ↑ 206%

Home Value

$148,500 ↓ 67%

$1,747/mo ↑ 71%

Owner Costs

$1,023/mo ↓ 41%

220,482

Population

198,440

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $28,170/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Tacoma or Montgomery cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 126 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Montgomery?

Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $538/month.

Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Montgomery?

Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $28,170/year higher in Tacoma.

How do taxes compare between Washington and Alabama?

Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.

Should I move to Tacoma or Montgomery?

It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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.

Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Tacoma

Montgomery

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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