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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Montgomery is 79% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,059/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 182%
$55,687/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 212%
$148,500 ↓ 90%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 929%
$1,023/mo ↓ 66%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 198%
198,440
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,926/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $23,112/year.

Median household income is $117,983/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Montgomery or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,926/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $117,983/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Santa Clara

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville