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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Chula Vista is 178% more expensive than Montgomery.

$2,122/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 50%
$105,173/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 47%
$697,400 ↑ 370%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 79%
$2,342/mo ↑ 129%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 56%
275,030
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

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,063/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $12,756/year.

Median household income is $49,486/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Montgomery?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $1,063/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Montgomery?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $49,486/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Montgomery details →

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