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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Montgomery is 48% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,059/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 60%
$55,687/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 37%
$148,500 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 175%
$1,023/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 71%
198,440
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $637/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $7,644/year.

Median household income is $20,396/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Montgomery or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Lancaster?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $637/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Lancaster?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $20,396/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Lancaster details →

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