Performance
Score Breakdown
Auburn
Montgomery
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Montgomery is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
17% higher compared to Auburn.
Housing costs are a major driver: Auburn's average rent is
37% higher than Montgomery's.
| Metric | Auburn | Montgomery | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,032 | $1,485 | +37% |
| Groceries | $350 | $365 | -4% |
| Utilities | $229 | $215 | +7% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $160 | $250 | -36% |
| Monthly Total | $2,891 | $2,465 | +17% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Auburn offers 44% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Auburn delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Auburn is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Montgomery.
| Metric | Auburn | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,096 | $35,571 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,225 idx | 39,967 idx |
| Household Income | $63,668 | $56,811 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Auburn | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 80.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Auburn scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Auburn leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Auburn | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 22.0/10 |
| Walkability | 28.0/10 | 26.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Montgomery is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Auburn.
From a growth perspective, Auburn is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Auburn has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Auburn | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 88,918 | 197,494 |
| Pop. Growth | 5.20% | % |
| Median Age | 25.9 | 36.6 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 3.00% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Auburn
Advantages
Auburn consistently ranks among the top places to live in the U.S., recognized for its high quality of life and welcoming community.
The city boasts a nationally ranked public school system, making it attractive for families. [cite: 13, 15 in previous search, 39]
Auburn's economy is strong and growing, ranking among the top 10 Best-Performing Small Cities in 2026.
The cost of living in Auburn is 4% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being particularly affordable.
Crime rates saw an overall decrease in 2024, with significant drops in violent, property, and non-violent crimes.
Drawbacks
Despite overall affordability, utility costs in Auburn are 6% higher than the national average, largely due to high energy consumption for cooling.
Auburn is primarily a car-dependent city with limited public transit options, reflected in its average Walk Score of 28.
While violent crime is low, NeighborhoodScout indicates that Auburn's property crime rate is above average compared to all communities in America. [cite: 26 in previous search]
The median age of 25.9 years, while vibrant, might indicate a younger demographic that may not appeal to all residents.
The state of Alabama's health system was ranked 42nd nationally in 2025, suggesting broader systemic challenges despite local hospital quality. [cite: 45 in previous search]
Montgomery
Advantages
The cost of living in Montgomery is 11% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Montgomery ranked #1 in Alabama for Capital Investment in New Projects in 2024, indicating a strong business environment.
The median home sale price of $205,000 (May 2026) is significantly lower than the national average, offering accessible homeownership.
The city offers diverse public transportation options, including fixed-route buses and on-demand micro-transit services.
Major hospitals like Baptist Medical Center East and South have received awards for specialized care, indicating quality healthcare services.
Drawbacks
Montgomery's crime rates are 47% higher than the Alabama average, posing a concern for residents.
The city has a low Walk Score of 26 and a Transit Score of 22, indicating high car dependency for most errands.
The median household income of $56,811 (2024) is lower than the national average.
Utilities in Montgomery are about 10% pricier than the U.S. average.
The city's population experienced a slight decline of -0.5% year-over-year in 2024.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Auburn
#21Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,032
Avg Salary
$51,096
Cost Index
96
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
28.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
5.20%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
74
Business
70
Montgomery
#90Alabama, USA
64.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,485
Avg Salary
$35,571
Cost Index
89
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
22.0/10
Walkability
26.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
65
Business
75
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Auburn and Montgomery.
Open Cost Calculator