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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Glendale

California
214

Huntsville is 64% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,078/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 94%
$70,778/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 19%
$263,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 297%
$1,046/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 111%
218,814
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,017/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $12,204/year.

Median household income is $13,484/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Glendale — common questions

Is Huntsville or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Glendale?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $1,017/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Glendale?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $13,484/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Glendale details →

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