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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Modesto

California
120

Huntsville is 42% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,078/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 49%
$70,778/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 10%
$263,100 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 58%
$1,046/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 54%
218,814
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $531/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,372/year.

Median household income is $7,121/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Modesto — common questions

Is Huntsville or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Modesto?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $531/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Modesto?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $7,121/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Modesto details →