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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Ontario

California
152

Huntsville is 49% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,078/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 78%
$70,778/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 17%
$263,100 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 116%
$1,046/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 88%
218,814
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $838/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $10,056/year.

Median household income is $12,028/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Ontario — common questions

Is Huntsville or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Ontario?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $838/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Ontario?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $12,028/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Ontario

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa