Montgomery, AL vs Santa Rosa, CA: 64 vs 172

$1,059/mo ↓ 49%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 97%

$55,687/yr ↓ 43%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 75%

$148,500 ↓ 78%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 361%

$1,023/mo ↓ 52%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 108%

198,440

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,025/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $12,300/year.

Median household income is $41,723/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Montgomery or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,025/month.

Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $41,723/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Montgomery

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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