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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Stockton is 80% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,495/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 29%
$76,851/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 28%
$412,900 ↑ 178%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 64%
$1,555/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 34%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $21,164/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Stockton or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Montgomery?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Montgomery?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $21,164/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Montgomery details →

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