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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Glendale

California
214

Montgomery is 70% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,059/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 98%
$55,687/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 51%
$148,500 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 603%
$1,023/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 116%
198,440
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,036/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $12,432/year.

Median household income is $28,575/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Glendale — common questions

Is Montgomery or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Glendale?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $1,036/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Glendale?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $28,575/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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