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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Moreno Valley is 125% more expensive than Montgomery.

$2,036/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 48%
$87,477/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 36%
$461,400 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 68%
$1,980/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 48%
210,378
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $977/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $11,724/year.

Median household income is $31,790/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Montgomery?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $977/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Montgomery?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $31,790/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Montgomery details →

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