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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Huntsville is 43% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,078/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 71%
$70,778/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 20%
$263,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 82%
$1,046/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 71%
218,814
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $764/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $9,168/year.

Median household income is $13,839/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Huntsville or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $764/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $13,839/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Santa Maria

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton