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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Los Angeles is 140% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,879/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 43%
$80,366/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 12%
$879,500 ↑ 234%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 70%
$2,055/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 49%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $801/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $9,612/year.

Median household income is $9,588/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Huntsville?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $801/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Huntsville?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $9,588/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Huntsville details →

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