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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Los Angeles is 192% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,879/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 44%
$80,366/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 31%
$879,500 ↑ 492%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 83%
$2,055/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 50%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $820/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $9,840/year.

Median household income is $24,679/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Montgomery?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $820/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Montgomery?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $24,679/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Montgomery details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Montgomery

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park