Cost of Living: Stockton vs Montgomery (2026)
Montgomery has a 23% lower overall cost of living than Stockton as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,050/mo in Montgomery vs $1,500/mo in Stockton — a 43% difference. Montgomery has a lower state income tax rate (5% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Montgomery is 23% cheaper overall (COL index: 100 vs 81)
- 1BR rent: $1,050/mo in Montgomery vs $1,500/mo — 30% savings
- Higher median household income: Stockton ($57,000/yr vs $44,000/yr)
- Median home price: $195,000 in Montgomery vs $390,000 — 50% difference
| Category | Stockton California | Montgomery Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,200 | $850Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,500 | $1,050Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,000 | $1,400Best |
| Median home price | $390K | $195KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 102 | 93Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14 | $11Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $58 | $46Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $68 | $38Best |
| Gas price/gal | $4.45 | $2.98Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $165 | $148Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $145Best | $170 |
| Internet/mo | $65 | $58Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $57KBest | $44K |
| State income tax% | 9.3% | 5.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 9.0%Best | 9.2% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00 | $13.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $40 | $30Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.50 | $5.00Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 100 | 81Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 38Best | 24 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Stockton cheaper than Montgomery?
No. Montgomery is 23% cheaper than Stockton based on overall cost of living indices (81 vs 100, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Stockton vs Montgomery?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Stockton is $1,500/month and in Montgomery is $1,050/month. Stockton is more expensive by 43%.
How much do I need to earn in Montgomery to match a $75,000 salary in Stockton?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $60,750/year in Montgomery to match a $75,000 salary in Stockton. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Stockton or Montgomery?
Montgomery has the lower state income tax rate at 5% vs 9.3%. The difference is 4.3 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Stockton to Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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