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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

San Bernardino is 70% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,433/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 26%
$63,988/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 13%
$384,900 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 61%
$1,478/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 31%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $8,301/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Montgomery — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Montgomery?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Montgomery?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $8,301/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Montgomery details →

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