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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Montgomery is 64% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,059/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 86%
$55,687/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 62%
$148,500 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 415%
$1,023/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 97%
198,440
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $912/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $10,944/year.

Median household income is $34,479/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Montgomery or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $912/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $34,479/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Garden Grove

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