Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Bakersfield is 62% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,371/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 23%
$77,397/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 28%
$347,300 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 57%
$1,540/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 34%
408,366
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $21,710/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Montgomery?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Montgomery?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $21,710/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Montgomery details →

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