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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Huntington Beach is 211% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,424/mo ↑ 141%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 59%
$119,885/yr ↑ 147%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 60%
$1,047,300 ↑ 343%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 77%
$2,436/mo ↑ 135%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 57%
196,010
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,419/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $17,028/year.

Median household income is $71,349/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,419/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $71,349/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntington Beach details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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