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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Fresno is 58% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,324/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 20%
$66,804/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 17%
$348,500 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 57%
$1,391/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 26%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $11,117/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Fresno or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Montgomery?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Montgomery?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $11,117/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Montgomery details →

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