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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Orange

California
206

Montgomery is 69% cheaper than Orange.

$1,059/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 113%
$55,687/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 110%
$148,500 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 507%
$1,023/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 134%
198,440
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,193/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $14,316/year.

Median household income is $61,258/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Orange — common questions

Is Montgomery or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Orange?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,193/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Orange?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $61,258/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Orange

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City