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Moving from Montana to Alabama

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Montana
94.6
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 6.2% lower overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 27% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
Alabama
97.2
Alabama has 1.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Alabama
98.3
Alabama has 0.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 27% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
Alabama
97.8
Alabama has 1.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 45% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/mo
Alabama
$889/mo
Alabama is 4.7% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Montana
83°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 9.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 150% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 44% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
Alabama
213
Alabama has 3.9% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 266% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
Alabama
42
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
Alabama
1 in
Alabama is 98% less annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaAlabama report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama than Montana?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Montana tops out at 5.65% income tax. Alabama tops out at 5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Alabama?

Most Alabama residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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