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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Montgomery is 59% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,059/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 90%
$55,687/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 61%
$148,500 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 275%
$1,023/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 101%
198,440
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $954/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $11,448/year.

Median household income is $33,809/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Montgomery or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Vallejo?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $954/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Vallejo?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $33,809/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Vallejo details →

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