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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Modesto is 88% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,609/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 34%
$77,899/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 29%
$415,600 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 64%
$1,613/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 37%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $22,212/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Modesto or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Montgomery?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Montgomery?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $22,212/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Montgomery details →

More Comparisons

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