Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Bakersfield is 33% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,371/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 21%
$77,397/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 9%
$347,300 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 24%
$1,540/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 32%
408,366
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $6,619/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Huntsville?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Huntsville?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $6,619/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Bakersfield or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Huntsville details →

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