Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Worcester is 62% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,415/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 25%
$67,544/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 18%
$339,500 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 56%
$1,521/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 33%
205,501
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $11,857/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Worcester or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Montgomery?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Montgomery?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $11,857/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Alabama?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Montgomery details →

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