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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Montgomery is 72% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,059/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 144%
$55,687/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 141%
$148,500 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 541%
$1,023/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 166%
198,440
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,521/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $18,252/year.

Median household income is $78,680/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Montgomery or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,521/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $78,680/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

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