Example household · Montgomery, AL · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

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Montgomery vs Washington

Montgomery and Washington

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia, Public domain

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Washington are close to the US rate in this release, 6.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Montgomery to Washington

In 2022-2023, 73 households filed a move from Montgomery to Washington (about 175 people, average adjusted gross income $113,014). Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,121 in Montgomery and $1,916 in Washington. Montgomery has a state tax on wages. Washington has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Washington is 124% of the national level for the same work, against 88% in Montgomery.

Washington averages 203 sunny days, with July highs around 89°F and January nights around 29°F. Montgomery is 229 sunny days, 92°F in July, 41°F in January. Commutes average 34 minutes in Washington and 24 in Montgomery.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 73 households moved Montgomery → Washington (about 175 people, average AGI $113,014). The reverse flow is too small for the IRS to publish.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Montgomery and Washington changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 804 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$2,450–$4,550
Container or pod
$1,700–$3,200
Rent a truck
$850–$1,650

Movers in Washington and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Washington cheaper than Montgomery after tax and rent?

No. Washington leaves about $896 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,121 in Montgomery and $1,916 in Washington.

Does Washington have state income tax?

Washington is in District of Columbia, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Montgomery to Washington?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.