Santa Ana, CA vs Montgomery, AL: 163 vs 64

$1,975/mo ↑ 86%

Median Rent

$1,059/mo ↓ 46%

$88,354/yr ↑ 59%

Median Income

$55,687/yr ↓ 37%

$657,800 ↑ 343%

Home Value

$148,500 ↓ 77%

$1,965/mo ↑ 92%

Owner Costs

$1,023/mo ↓ 48%

311,639

Population

198,440

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $916/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $10,992/year.

Median household income is $32,667/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Montgomery cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Montgomery?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $916/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Montgomery?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $32,667/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Montgomery?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Montgomery

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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