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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Huntsville is 66% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,078/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 122%
$70,778/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 56%
$263,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 301%
$1,046/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 135%
218,814
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,317/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $15,804/year.

Median household income is $39,295/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Huntsville or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,317/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $39,295/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Huntsville or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Costa Mesa

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria