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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Montgomery is 72% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,059/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 126%
$55,687/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 98%
$148,500 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 610%
$1,023/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 141%
198,440
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,336/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $16,032/year.

Median household income is $54,386/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Montgomery or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,336/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $54,386/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria