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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Richmond

California
161

Huntington Beach is 41% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,424/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 22%
$119,885/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 25%
$1,047,300 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 38%
$2,436/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 17%
196,010
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $529/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $6,348/year.

Median household income is $29,847/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Richmond — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Richmond?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $529/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Richmond?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $29,847/year higher in Huntington Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Huntington Beach or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntington Beach details → View Richmond details →

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