Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Huntington Beach, CA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Birmingham is 73% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,047/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 132%
$44,376/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 170%
$138,600 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 656%
$991/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 146%
199,322
Population
196,010

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,377/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $16,524/year.

Median household income is $75,509/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Birmingham or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,377/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $75,509/year higher in Huntington Beach.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and California?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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