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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Montgomery is 62% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,059/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 106%
$55,687/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 119%
$148,500 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 306%
$1,023/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 118%
198,440
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,121/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $13,452/year.

Median household income is $66,542/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Montgomery or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,121/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $66,542/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Elk Grove

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem