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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Montgomery is 52% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,059/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 35%
$55,687/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 23%
$148,500 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 313%
$1,023/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 43%
198,440
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $12,691/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Montgomery or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $12,691/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View East Los Angeles 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 East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo