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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Fontana

California
146

Huntsville is 47% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,078/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 61%
$70,778/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 39%
$263,100 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 112%
$1,046/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 90%
218,814
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $27,409/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Fontana — common questions

Is Huntsville or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Fontana?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Fontana?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $27,409/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

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Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. San Bernardino Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Rochester Fontana vs. Spring Valley