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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Montgomery is 53% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,059/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 74%
$55,687/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 52%
$148,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 222%
$1,023/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 75%
198,440
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $783/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $9,396/year.

Median household income is $28,930/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Montgomery or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $783/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $28,930/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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