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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Huntsville is 56% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,078/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 83%
$70,778/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 27%
$263,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 191%
$1,046/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 93%
218,814
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $893/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $10,716/year.

Median household income is $19,388/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Huntsville or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $893/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $19,388/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Garden Grove

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins