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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Orange

California
206

Huntsville is 62% cheaper than Orange.

$1,078/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 109%
$70,778/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 65%
$263,100 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 242%
$1,046/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 129%
218,814
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,174/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $14,088/year.

Median household income is $46,167/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Orange — common questions

Is Huntsville or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Orange?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,174/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Orange?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $46,167/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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