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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Ontario

California
152

Montgomery is 58% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,059/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 81%
$55,687/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 49%
$148,500 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 282%
$1,023/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 92%
198,440
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $27,119/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Ontario — common questions

Is Montgomery or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Ontario?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Ontario?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $27,119/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Ontario

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa