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

Montgomery

Alabama

Huntington Beach

California

227

Montgomery is 163% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,059/mo ↓ 56%

Median Rent

$2,424/mo ↑ 129%

$55,687/yr ↓ 54%

Median Income

$119,885/yr ↑ 115%

$148,500 ↓ 86%

Home Value

$1,047,300 ↑ 605%

$1,023/mo ↓ 58%

Owner Costs

$2,436/mo ↑ 138%

198,440

Population

196,010

Tax Comparison

5.0%

Income Tax

13.3%

4.0%

Sales Tax

7.25%

0.41%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

22.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

24.3%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,365/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $16,380/year.

Median household income is $64,198/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Montgomery or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 227 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Huntington Beach?

Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,365/month.

Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Huntington Beach?

Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $64,198/year higher in Huntington Beach.

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 Huntington Beach?

It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.