Blog
Cost of Living in Montgomery Compared to Other Alabama Locations
November 21, 2025
If you’re considering a move to Alabama, there are a lot of factors to take into account. While upfront costs might be the first thing on your mind, you should also think about long-term affordability. Lowder New Homes specializes in new construction homes for sale in Montgomery, AL. Here, we explore the cost of living in Montgomery vs. other cities in the state to help you understand why this area may be right for you.
What Is the Cost of Living in Montgomery?
An area’s cost of living refers to the amount of money a person would need to afford the essential expenses for basic living. This includes things like food, housing, healthcare, and taxes. Areas with lower living costs allow residents to make their money go further, so those with lower salaries can still live comfortably.
According to Investopedia.com, Alabama was ranked the fifth-lowest state in the country for cost of living in 2024. This means that it’s relatively affordable compared to most other states. Montgomery, in particular, has a cost of living that is 11% lower than the national average. This includes housing expenses, which are 23% lower, healthcare costs, which are 22% lower, and food and grocery costs, which are slightly lower. These numbers offer a more attainable way of living for average-income individuals and families.
Montgomery is also characterized by its thriving economy, which features a booming job market in fields like manufacturing, government, healthcare, and more. Its diverse economy can help those with strong backgrounds in a variety of industries find work. It also allows individuals to start a new career entirely.
How Does Montgomery Compare to Other AL Cities?
If you’re looking at several cities in AL for relocating, you may be wondering how they all measure up. Compared to Montgomery’s cost of living, which is 11% below the national average, other AL cities tend to have higher costs of living. They include:
- Auburn: The cost of living is 7% lower than the national average.
- Birmingham: The cost of living is 8% lower than the national average.
- Huntsville: The cost of living is 9% lower than the national average.
- Mobile: The cost of living is 7% lower than the national average.
- Opelika: The cost of living is 7% lower than the national average.
Montgomery’s comparably low cost of living makes it a great place to settle down if you’re searching for an affordable location.
What Makes Life in Montgomery a Great Choice?
Aside from the low cost of living, there are plenty of reasons to consider buying a new home in Montgomery. First, the city provides a lively downtown area that offers classic Southern charm and eye-catching architecture. The city is steeped in history, and its cultural significance can be explored through its museums, monuments, and other historic sites. Because it features rolling hills and sits alongside the Alabama River, those in the Montgomery area can expect scenic views, whether they are planning to hike its trails or just run errands.
Montgomery also offers activities for everyone in the family, including art galleries, nature centers, theaters, gardens, parks, and more. This means that it will be easy to find something to do in your free time. For those looking to experience the nightlife the area has to offer, you’ll be excited to know there are plenty of bars, jazz and blues clubs, and lounges nearby, allowing you to grab a drink with friends, family, or coworkers, or meet someone new. Many of these establishments also offer live music to add to the atmosphere.
Of course, Montgomery is home to plenty of shops and stores. You can find fresh produce at local farmers’ markets, discover one-of-a-kind pieces at antique shops, or visit a mall for one-stop shopping for everything on your list.
What Communities Do We Offer in the Area?
Lowder New Homes is proud to offer a selection of homes for sale in Montgomery, AL. We have a variety of communities that allow those looking to move to the area to find a location that best suits their preferences and their budget. They include:
- Hampstead: Located in East Montgomery, this community is geared towards those at any stage of life. It includes access to two pools, an athletic club, playgrounds, parks, on-site restaurants, and a working farm.
- Deer Creek: Designed with a mix of starter homes, upgrades, traditional homes, and custom options, this community has something for everyone. It features beautiful lakes, shaded trails, fishing areas, a fitness center, swimming pools, and tennis courts.
- New Park: Considered to be our “new generation of homes,” this neighborhood is close to some of the city’s newest schools. It features a private clubhouse, a pool, a playground, and a splash pad.
- Sturbridge: This community offers family-friendly living thanks to an eight-acre park and its proximity to the area’s schools and newest YMCA. It is also only minutes away from shops and restaurants, and has a stream and wildlife area nearby.
- Hawthorne: Our newest neighborhood in Montgomery, this community will be located off the Atlanta Highway. We are planning nearly 250 home sites, giving potential buyers a lot of options, and the area will feature lush walking trails and other key amenities.
The Lowder New Homes Difference
Lowder New Homes is committed to designing and constructing beautiful homes and welcoming communities. We are a local, family-owned business that has more than 70 years of experience. Our highly trained homebuilders are dedicated to ensuring every aspect of our homes meets the needs of our buyers. Some reasons we stand out include:
- Customization options: We are happy to offer customizable options, allowing customers to choose which floor plans and design features they like most, and find a property that feels like home.
- Third-party inspections: We ensure the safety of our builds through an independent, third-party inspection.
- Warranties: We feature a full-service Warranty Department and a 24-Hour Response Line, allowing homebuyers to feel confident in their purchase.
- Energy efficiency: We prioritize energy-efficient processes and materials through the addition of high-density exterior wall insulation, Energy Star-qualified heating and cooling systems, and other green initiatives.
Our team consists of leadership, agents, builders, designers, estimators, and other key staff members, all of whom want you to love your new home. Our passion for what we do makes it no surprise that we have built a strong reputation and lasting relationships. This has even led to several awards throughout the years and continued positive feedback from our customers.
Explore Our Homes in Montgomery Today
Buying a new construction home helps take away some of the stress of the homebuying process because you can trust it will hold up for years to come. For those looking for new homes for sale in Montgomery, AL, check out those available from Lowder New Homes. Given the low cost of living in Montgomery, the communities we offer homes in are a great choice for anyone looking to improve their way of life. Contact us today if you live in Central or East AL and have any questions or want to speak with a member of our team.
