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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Huntsville is 65% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,078/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 106%
$70,778/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 47%
$263,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 297%
$1,046/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 124%
218,814
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,140/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $13,680/year.

Median household income is $33,000/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Huntsville or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Pasadena?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,140/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Pasadena?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $33,000/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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