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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Fresno is 29% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,324/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 19%
$66,804/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 6%
$348,500 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 25%
$1,391/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 25%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $3,974/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Fresno or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Huntsville?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Huntsville?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $3,974/year higher in Huntsville.
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 Fresno or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Huntsville details →

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