Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Alabama
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Montgomery County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Montgomery County ranks #1,728 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Alabama
Montgomery's rents strain state capital families
Montgomery County renters dedicate 21.9% of income to housing—the highest ratio in this survey and above national norms—while earning $58,153, nearly $17,000 less than the national median. The state capital's housing burden rivals major metropolitan areas despite modest incomes.
Montgomery leads state in affordability strain
Montgomery's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among Alabama counties, with median rent of $1,061 exceeding the state average by $262 monthly. This combination makes Montgomery the state's most housing-burdened county for renters.
Most expensive rent in survey region
Montgomery's $1,061 median rent tops nearby Mobile ($1,021) and dwarfs rural counties like Perry ($610) and Pickens ($600). This premium reflects Montgomery's status as Alabama's capital and largest inland city, concentrating demand and pricing out lower-income residents.
Housing dominates Montgomery household priorities
Monthly rent of $1,061 consumes 21.9% of Montgomery households' $58,153 annual income, totaling over $12,730 yearly just for rental housing. Homeowners pay $991 monthly on properties valued at $160,100, indicating ownership remains difficult for average earners.
Montgomery rewards high earners, challenges others
Montgomery offers state government jobs, military presence (Fort Rucker nearby), and cultural amenities, but rent requires substantial income to avoid financial strain. Relocators earning below $70,000 annually should explore surrounding rural counties or negotiate remote-work flexibility before moving.
Cost of Living Advisory: Montgomery County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Montgomery County is affordable. The median rent is $1,061/month against a median household income of $58,153, putting rent at 21.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,061/month rent versus $991/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $70/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,471/year. With a median household income of $58,153, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Montgomery County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Madison County where rent averages $1,116/month, Montgomery County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Montgomery County
Rent Burden
21.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,357
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Montgomery County
Median home value is $160,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,278 vs. your max of $1,357.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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