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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Montgomery is 75% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,059/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 101%
$55,687/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 95%
$148,500 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 810%
$1,023/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 129%
198,440
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,068/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $12,816/year.

Median household income is $52,871/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Montgomery or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Berkeley?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,068/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Berkeley?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $52,871/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and California?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Berkeley details →

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