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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Oakland is 205% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,917/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 45%
$97,369/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 43%
$924,700 ↑ 523%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 84%
$2,164/mo ↑ 112%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 53%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $858/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $10,296/year.

Median household income is $41,682/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Oakland or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Montgomery?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $858/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Montgomery?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $41,682/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Montgomery details →

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