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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Long Beach is 117% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,803/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 40%
$83,969/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 16%
$762,200 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 65%
$1,890/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 45%
458,491
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $725/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $8,700/year.

Median household income is $13,191/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Long Beach or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Huntsville?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $725/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Huntsville?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $13,191/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Huntsville details →

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