Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Alabama

$1,061/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$160,100
Median Home Value
33% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$1,061/mo
33% above state average
Median Home Value
$160,100
43% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
30.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Montgomery County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Montgomery County$1,061/mo
Alabama Average$799/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,061/mo
Median Gross Rent
$160,100
Median Home Value
$991/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
30.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

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

Your rent-to-income ratio21.9%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Montgomery County, Alabama?
Montgomery County, Alabama has a median monthly rent of $1,061/mo and a median home value of $160,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Montgomery County?
The median gross rent in Montgomery County is $1,061/mo. This is 33% above state average for Alabama.
Is Montgomery County affordable?
Montgomery County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Montgomery County's rent compare to the state average?
Montgomery County's median rent of $1,061/mo is 33% above state average of $799/mo for Alabama.
What is the median home value in Montgomery County?
The median home value in Montgomery County, Alabama is $160,100. This is 43% below the national median home value of $281,900.
Sponsored

Planning a Move?

Researching the cost of living in Montgomery County, Alabama? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.

Compare Moving Quotes

Counties with Similar Housing Costs

Sponsored

Compare Mortgage Rates in Montgomery County

Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.