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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Huntsville is 60% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,078/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 97%
$70,778/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 47%
$263,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 227%
$1,046/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 115%
218,814
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,046/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $12,552/year.

Median household income is $33,441/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Huntsville or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Fullerton?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,046/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Fullerton?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $33,441/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Fullerton

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren