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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Pomona

California
143

Montgomery is 55% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,059/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 64%
$55,687/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 42%
$148,500 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 284%
$1,023/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 72%
198,440
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $23,182/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Pomona — common questions

Is Montgomery or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Pomona?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Pomona?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $23,182/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Pomona details →

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