City vs city
Birmingham, AL vs Montgomery, AL
- Rent is 2% lower in Montgomery (median $1,089/mo vs $1,107/mo in Birmingham).
- Homes cost 2% less in Birmingham ($159k vs $162k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $18 more a month after taxes and rent in Montgomery.
- Schools rate higher in Montgomery (1.4/10 vs 1.1/10).
- Montgomery has less violent crime (6.4 vs 12.4 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
| Birmingham | Montgomery | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,107/mo | $1,089/mo |
| Median home value | $159k | $162k |
| Median household income | $46k | $57k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,735 | $3,753 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 1.1/10 | 1.4/10 |
| Violent crime | 3.4× the US rate | 1.8× the US rate |
| Summer average | 91°F | 94°F |
| Winter average | 45°F | 48°F |
| Sunny days a year | 213 | 213 |
| Walk score | 35 | 33 |
| Population | 198,173 | 197,494 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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