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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Sacramento is 106% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,694/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 37%
$83,753/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 34%
$484,600 ↑ 226%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 69%
$1,752/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 42%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $635/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $7,620/year.

Median household income is $28,066/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Sacramento or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Montgomery?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $635/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Montgomery?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $28,066/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Montgomery details →

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