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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Fontana is 128% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,733/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 39%
$98,187/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 43%
$558,500 ↑ 276%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 73%
$1,990/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 49%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $674/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $8,088/year.

Median household income is $42,500/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Fontana or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Montgomery?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $674/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Montgomery?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $42,500/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Montgomery details →

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