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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Montgomery is 67% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,059/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 101%
$55,687/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 87%
$148,500 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 479%
$1,023/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 120%
198,440
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,065/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $12,780/year.

Median household income is $48,532/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Montgomery or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Fullerton?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,065/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Fullerton?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $48,532/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Fullerton

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren