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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Visalia

California
104

Montgomery is 38% cheaper than Visalia.

$1,059/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 32%
$55,687/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↑ 44%
$148,500 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 129%
$1,023/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↑ 48%
198,440
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $24,265/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Visalia — common questions

Is Montgomery or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Visalia?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Visalia?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $24,265/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Montgomery details → View Visalia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Visalia

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie