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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Downey

California
169

Huntsville is 54% cheaper than Downey.

$1,078/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 76%
$70,778/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 23%
$263,100 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 177%
$1,046/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 91%
218,814
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $814/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $9,768/year.

Median household income is $16,622/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Downey — common questions

Is Huntsville or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Downey?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $814/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Downey?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $16,622/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Downey

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens