Montgomery, AL vs Palmdale, CA: 64 vs 130

$1,059/mo ↓ 39%

Median Rent

$1,736/mo ↑ 64%

$55,687/yr ↓ 31%

Median Income

$81,151/yr ↑ 46%

$148,500 ↓ 66%

Home Value

$435,300 ↑ 193%

$1,023/mo ↓ 44%

Owner Costs

$1,831/mo ↑ 79%

198,440

Population

165,487

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $677/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $8,124/year.

Median household income is $25,464/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Montgomery or Palmdale cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 130 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Palmdale?

Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $677/month.

Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Palmdale?

Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $25,464/year higher in Palmdale.

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 Palmdale?

It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Montgomery

Palmdale

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons