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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Huntsville is 66% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,078/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 125%
$70,778/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 69%
$263,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 298%
$1,046/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 133%
218,814
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,346/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $16,152/year.

Median household income is $49,107/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Huntsville or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,346/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $49,107/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Huntington Beach details →

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